Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has spent nearly two decades building a life with his wife, Abby McGrew, whom he met during college. The two-time Super Bowl champion has remained connected to football through his broadcasting career, but his family continues to play an important role in his life. In 2025, Manning shared a rare family photograph featuring all four of his children, giving fans another glimpse of his life away from the NFL.
Manning and McGrew married in April 2008 and have welcomed three daughters and a son. Although the couple generally avoids sharing too much about their private lives, Manning occasionally discusses marriage, parenting and the importance of spending time together.
NEED TO KNOW
- Eli Manning’s wife is Abby McGrew, whom he married on April 19, 2008, in Mexico.
- The couple met at the University of Mississippi in 2002 and became engaged in 2007.
- They have four children: Ava, Lucy, Caroline and Charlie Manning.
While Manning’s football accomplishments have made him a household name, McGrew has maintained a relatively private life. Their relationship began long before his Super Bowl victories and has continued through his retirement and broadcasting career.
Who Is Eli Manning’s Wife, Abby McGrew?
Abby McGrew was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and attended the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss. She graduated in 2005 with a degree in family and consumer sciences before pursuing professional opportunities in the fashion industry.
McGrew worked in fashion design after completing her education. Unlike her husband, she has largely avoided public attention and does not maintain a prominent public social media presence.
She has occasionally accompanied Manning to sporting events and charitable functions. However, much of her time has been devoted to family responsibilities and philanthropic activities.
McGrew has also supported several educational and healthcare initiatives alongside her husband, particularly programs benefiting children and families in Mississippi.
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew Met in College
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew first met in 2002 while studying at the University of Mississippi. Manning was already establishing himself as a promising college quarterback, while McGrew was beginning her university education.
Their friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship, and they began dating during their college years. The relationship continued as Manning entered the NFL after being selected in the 2004 draft.
In 2007, Manning proposed to McGrew with an engagement ring featuring an emerald-cut diamond. The proposal came after several years together and marked the beginning of their wedding preparations.
The couple married on April 19, 2008, at the One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. Their wedding took place shortly after Manning helped the New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
Their marriage has continued throughout his professional career, retirement and transition into sports broadcasting.
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew Have Four Children
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew are parents to four children, including three daughters and one son.
Their eldest daughter, Ava Frances Manning, was born on March 21, 2011. Their second daughter, Lucy Thomas Manning, arrived on June 17, 2013, followed by Caroline Olivia Manning on January 29, 2015.
The couple welcomed their youngest child, Charles Elisha Manning, commonly called Charlie, in February 2018.
Manning has occasionally discussed his children’s interests in sports. His daughters have participated in activities including swimming, lacrosse and hockey, while Charlie has explored football, baseball and other sports.
In a 2025 interview, Manning explained that he would not pressure Charlie to follow the family’s football tradition. Instead, he wants his children to discover activities they genuinely enjoy.
Abby McGrew and Eli Manning Support Children’s Charities
Beyond their family life, Manning and McGrew have developed a strong commitment to charitable work, particularly in education and pediatric healthcare.
In 2010, the couple donated $1 million to the Ole Miss Opportunity scholarship program, which helps students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds pursue higher education.
They also pledged $1 million in 2016 to support Children’s of Mississippi, a fundraising campaign benefiting pediatric healthcare services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Their involvement in children’s healthcare reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting families and improving access to medical services.
McGrew has also been associated with charitable efforts supporting maternity care and children’s hospitals.
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew Keep Their Family Life Private
Since stepping away from professional football, Manning has enjoyed spending more time with McGrew and their children. He has spoken about appreciating ordinary family activities, particularly driving his children to school and sporting events.
In 2025, Manning shared a family photograph featuring his four children, a relatively uncommon public moment for the family.
He has also discussed how his daughters became interested in football through Taylor Swift’s connection to Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce.
Although Manning remains a familiar television personality through ManningCast, his wife continues to maintain a quieter public profile.
After more than 18 years of marriage, Eli Manning and Abby McGrew remain together, raising their four children while supporting educational and charitable causes that have become an important part of their family story.