Known best as the eldest Manning brother in a legendary football family, Cooper Manning has made a name for himself beyond the gridiron. While his younger siblings, Eli and Peyton Manning, both went on to win multiple Super Bowls as star quarterbacks, Cooper’s own athletic journey was derailed by a spinal stenosis diagnosis during his college years. Despite that setback, he remained closely tied to the sport through his role as a supportive older brother and later carved out a successful path of his own.
Before fame brought attention to the Manning name, Cooper was a standout athlete in high school—earning all-state honors as a wide receiver—and had dreams of playing at the University of Mississippi, following in the footsteps of his father, Archie Manning. Alongside Peyton and Eli, Cooper is one of the sons of Archie and Olivia Manning, a family deeply rooted in Southern football tradition.
Though he stepped away from professional sports, Cooper found fulfillment in a different arena. He became a partner at the energy firm Howard Weil, where he built a respected career in business. In 1999, he married his wife Ellen, and together they’ve built a life centered around family. The couple shares three children: May, Arch, and Heid, who continue to carry forward the close-knit values of the Manning legacy. Through every chapter, Cooper Manning has remained a steady presence, quietly shaping his own story while proudly standing beside two of the NFL’s most iconic figures.
Back in 2015, he started hosting The Manning Hour on Fox Sports, bringing his unique perspective and deep football knowledge to the show. Over time, he became a familiar face on the network, with fans tuning in each week to hear his insights. His role on The Manning Hour helped solidify his presence in sports media, and he continued to build momentum throughout the years. It was clear from the beginning that his contributions were a key part of what made the program stand out.