BREAKING NEWS: Peyton Manning and Ashley Thompson Announce Divorce After Over Two Decades of Marriage
May 26, 2025 | By Staff Reporter, National Sports Daily
In a surprising development that has shocked fans across the country and the sports world, NFL legend Peyton Manning and his wife of over 20 years, Ashley Thompson Manning, have officially announced their divorce. The couple, who tied the knot in 2001 and have long been considered one of the NFL’s most private and enduring relationships, released a joint statement earlier today confirming the separation.
“After thoughtful consideration and much reflection, we have decided to amicably end our marriage,” the statement reads. “We remain committed to co-parenting our children with love and respect, and we ask for privacy during this transitional period in our lives.”
The statement was issued through their publicist and confirmed by representatives close to both parties. No further details regarding the cause of the split were given.
A Shocking Split for an Iconic Couple
Peyton Manning, 49, is one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history. Known for his cerebral play, commanding presence, and two Super Bowl wins (with the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos), he has spent the years following his retirement building a successful post-football career as a broadcaster, businessman, and television personality.
Ashley Thompson Manning, 48, has largely stayed out of the spotlight, preferring a life of privacy while raising the couple’s two children — twins Marshall and Mosley, now teenagers — and managing her own successful real estate and business ventures.
Their marriage was often seen as one of the few in the sports world that had withstood the pressures of fame, media attention, and a rigorous NFL schedule. Peyton frequently credited Ashley with being his “rock” throughout his playing career, and the couple had often appeared united at public functions, including Hall of Fame ceremonies, charity events, and commercial appearances.
Which is why today’s announcement has left fans, friends, and sports commentators stunned.
Timeline of a Private Love Story
Peyton Manning met Ashley Thompson in the mid-1990s through a family friend while he was still a standout quarterback at the University of Tennessee. The two maintained a low-profile relationship despite Manning’s early rise to fame as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft.
They married on St. Patrick’s Day in 2001 in a private ceremony. While Manning was beginning his journey to becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Ashley often remained behind the scenes, offering unwavering support while balancing her own ambitions.
Despite the constant attention surrounding Peyton’s career, both managed to keep their relationship largely out of the tabloids. They were rarely featured in gossip columns, and there were few — if any — public controversies involving the couple.
Behind the Curtain: What Went Wrong?
While neither Peyton nor Ashley have spoken publicly about the reason for the divorce, sources close to the family suggest that the couple has been living “increasingly separate lives” over the past few years.
One insider who wished to remain anonymous shared:
“They’ve always been respectful of each other and focused on their family. But once Peyton retired, their interests started diverging. He got pulled into the media world, business ventures, endorsements, while Ashley continued focusing on family and her own quiet pursuits. They were growing apart, not out of anger, but just life moving in different directions.”
Rumors of tension surfaced in 2023 when Ashley was notably absent from several high-profile appearances made by Peyton, including an ESPY Awards tribute and several ManningCast broadcasts during Monday Night Football. At the time, representatives dismissed the rumors, stating she preferred to avoid the spotlight.
Legal Proceedings and Asset Division
While specific legal documents have not yet been made public, sources close to the matter suggest the divorce was filed quietly in a Nashville court earlier this month. Both parties are reportedly working through mediation to divide their considerable assets, which include:
- Multiple real estate holdings in Tennessee, Colorado, and Florida
- Business interests, including Peyton’s numerous endorsements and investment in sports media ventures
- Ashley’s real estate development firm and philanthropic initiatives
Given Peyton Manning’s estimated net worth of over $250 million, the financial implications of the divorce are expected to be significant. However, family insiders stress that both parties are committed to handling the situation with dignity and discretion.
“There’s no scandal here. No infidelity. No courtroom drama. Just two people who loved each other deeply and are now moving on in different directions.”
Reaction from the Sports World and Beyond
The reaction to the news has been swift and emotional, especially among fans who have long admired the Mannings not only for their success on the field, but their perceived stability off of it.
Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy, who coached Peyton in Indianapolis, said in a brief comment:
“I’ve known both Peyton and Ashley for years. This is sad news, of course, but I respect them both for the grace they’ve always shown as a couple and as parents. I pray for peace and happiness for both of them moving forward.”
Social media platforms lit up with messages from fans, many expressing disbelief and disappointment, while others respected the couple’s right to privacy.
Former teammate and friend Reggie Wayne tweeted:
“Wishing my guy Peyton and Ashley nothing but strength. Sometimes life surprises you. But both of them are good people and great parents. #Respect”
What’s Next for Peyton and Ashley?
As for what comes next, both Peyton and Ashley are expected to remain in the public eye in different ways.
Peyton is reportedly continuing to develop several projects with Omaha Productions, his media company, and has hinted at upcoming television endeavors beyond the popular “ManningCast” he co-hosts with his brother Eli.
Ashley, who has rarely granted interviews, is expected to continue managing her business interests and focus on raising their children, who are said to be splitting time between both parents’ homes.
In their joint statement, the couple emphasized the importance of family:
“Our greatest priority will always be our children. We are committed to working together to ensure they feel loved, supported, and secure during this time of transition.”
A Modern Ending to a Football Fairytale?
For many, the Manning marriage represented something rare in the celebrity and sports world — longevity, privacy, and grounded values. While their decision to divorce marks the end of a chapter, observers and fans alike are recognizing it not as a failure, but a difficult, mature decision made with care.
Relationship expert Dr. Heather Landis weighed in:
“What we see here is a couple who clearly respected each other, raised a family, supported one another through intense professional journeys, and are now choosing to redefine what family looks like for them. It’s a reminder that even relationships that last decades sometimes evolve.”
Final Thoughts
The Manning family has always valued privacy, and by all accounts, that will not change despite the public nature of their split. While fans may mourn the end of one of sports’ most beloved unions, many are also choosing to honor the love and life Peyton and Ashley built together over the past two decades.
As the sports world reflects on the legacy of Peyton Manning — both on and off the field — today’s news adds a bittersweet chapter to an otherwise storied life. But if there’s one thing Manning has proven time and time again, it’s the ability to face adversity with poise, and emerge stronger on the other side.
