If you’ve spent any time watching the NFL over the last two decades, you know the Manning name is basically royalty. First, there was Archie. Then came Peyton and Eli. Now, we’re all watching Arch Manning tear it up at Texas. But naturally, the question everyone is asking lately is: does Peyton Manning have a son, and is he the next one to wear the crown?
Honestly, the answer is yes. He does.
His name is Marshall Williams Manning. And if you’ve seen the viral clips from the Pro Bowl or caught a glimpse of him on the sidelines of a Denver Broncos game, you already know the kid looks like he was born with a football in his hand. But there’s a lot more to Marshall than just a famous last name and a decent spiral.
Who is Marshall Manning?
Marshall was born on March 31, 2011. He’s actually a twin—his sister, Mosley Thompson Manning, was born on the same day. Growing up as the son of a two-time Super Bowl champion and five-time MVP isn’t exactly "normal," but Peyton and his wife, Ashley Thompson, have worked pretty hard to keep their kids out of the blinding glare of the paparazzi.
Well, as much as you can when your dad is a literal living legend.
I remember seeing Marshall at Peyton’s retirement press conference back in 2016. He was just a little guy then, literally clinging to his father’s leg while Peyton said goodbye to the game. It was one of those rare, human moments that reminded everyone that behind the "Sheriff" persona, Peyton is just a dad.
Fast forward to 2026, and Marshall isn't that little kid anymore. He's growing up fast, and yeah, he's definitely inherited the family height.
Does Marshall Manning Play Football?
This is the big one. People want to know if the Manning dynasty is continuing.
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The short answer? Yes.
But here's the kicker: Marshall isn't just "playing" football; he's starting to look like a legitimate prospect. In late 2025, Marshall made headlines when he enrolled at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For those not in the loop on high school sports, Baylor is a powerhouse. It’s a serious program.
Marshall is currently an 8th grader (Class of 2029), and he’s already been seen "spinning it" with the kind of mechanics that make scouts drool. There was this video from the 2025 Pro Bowl games that went absolutely nuclear on social media. Marshall was out there throwing dimes to NFL superstars like Ja'Marr Chase.
The touch? Perfect. The footwork? Clean.
What the Experts Are Saying
Kirk Herbstreit, one of the most respected voices in college football, recently pointed him out during a broadcast. He basically told the world to "look out for this kid."
Now, look, we have to be careful here. He’s 14. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a middle schooler. But when your uncle is Eli, your cousin is Arch, and your dad is the guy who basically invented the modern pre-snap read, people are going to notice.
It’s interesting, though, because Peyton hasn't been one of those "helicopter" sports dads. He’s gone on record multiple times saying he doesn't care if his kids play sports at all. He just wants them to be happy. In fact, for a long time, Marshall was a huge Patrick Mahomes fan. Peyton joked on The Kelly Clarkson Show that it was "humbling" to have to go skiing while his son wore a Kansas City Chiefs jersey right next to him.
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That tells you everything you need to know about the Manning household. It's not a football factory; it's a family.
The Manning Parenting Philosophy
Peyton’s approach to raising Marshall and Mosley seems to mirror how Archie raised him. Archie never pushed Peyton or Eli into football. He let them find it on their own.
Peyton is doing the same. He coaches their flag football and soccer teams. He takes them to school. He’s present. After he retired from the Broncos, he made it clear that his kids were his new "priority."
"Marshall and Mosley have only been around for a couple of years, but they have changed my life forever," Peyton said during his retirement speech.
He wants them to enjoy the little things. If Marshall decides he wants to be a concert pianist or a chemist instead of a quarterback, Peyton seems like the kind of guy who would be totally fine with that. (Though, let’s be real, with those genetics, the kid probably has a cannon for an arm.)
Where is Marshall Manning Now?
Currently, the family resides primarily in Denver, Colorado, though they have deep ties to Tennessee. As Marshall transitions into his high school years at Baylor, the spotlight is only going to get brighter.
The "Manning Legacy" is a heavy thing to carry. We saw it with Arch Manning, who was the most recruited high school player in history. Marshall is likely headed for a similar path.
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But for now, he’s just a kid in the 8th grade who likes sports, follows his dad to games, and occasionally goes viral for throwing a perfect corner fade to a Pro Bowler.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're following Marshall's journey, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- He’s a Class of 2029 prospect. We won't see him in college for a few years.
- He’s a multi-sport kid. While football gets the headlines, he’s been involved in soccer and basketball too.
- Privacy matters. Despite the fame, the Mannings keep their personal lives relatively locked down.
If you want to keep an eye on his progress, the best place is actually Hudl. He has a profile there (under the Baylor School) where his highlights occasionally pop up. Just remember he’s still a teenager. Let’s let the kid play without crowning him the next GOAT just yet.
The next few years in Chattanooga are going to be very interesting for the Manning family. Whether he follows the path to the NFL or chooses something entirely different, Marshall Manning is definitely a name you’re going to be hearing for a long time.
Next Steps for the Superfan
If you're looking to stay updated on the Manning family, the best way is to follow the ManningCast on ESPN during the NFL season. Peyton often drops little anecdotes about his kids during the broadcast. You can also check out the PeyBack Foundation, which is the family's charitable arm focused on helping at-risk youth—it's a great way to see what the family values off the field.