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Abby McGrew and Eli Manning | Source: Getty Images
Abby McGrew and Eli Manning | Source: Getty Images

Facts about Abby McGrew, a Mother of 4 Who Worked in Fashion Design

Bettina Dizon
Mar 17, 2023
12:15 A.M.

Abby McGrew is Eli Manning's wife who works in the creative field. She is also a doting mother and a supportive partner, choosing to brave the cold during her husband's games because of his superstitious beliefs.

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Abby McGrew may not be as famous as her NFL star husband, Eli Manning, but she has fulfilling pursuits behind the scenes.

Besides her career in fashion, she is also active in charitable activities and antiquing. She enjoys a private life, quietly supporting her husband and being a wonderful mother to their children.

Eli Manning and Abby McGrew during the 2008 ESPYs Giant Event Hosted by Eli Manning held at J Bar and Lounge on July 15, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Eli Manning and Abby McGrew during the 2008 ESPYs Giant Event Hosted by Eli Manning held at J Bar and Lounge on July 15, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Abby McGrew and Eli Manning Met at the University

Before going to college, McGrew received her education at Brentwood Academy, one of Nashville's prestigious schools. According to the institution, Brentwood Academy is "a college preparatory Christian school."

McGrew later studied at the University of Mississippi, otherwise known as Ole Miss, where she met Manning in the spring of 2002. At that time, he was a junior building his football career, and she was a freshman studying family and consumer sciences.

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While at university, McGrew pledged her loyalty to the Kappa Delta society. She is proud to have graduated from Ole Miss and often gives back to her school community.

Lizzie Tisch and Abby Manning during FASHION SHOW and LUNCHEON for AKRIS at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 14, 2009, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Lizzie Tisch and Abby Manning during FASHION SHOW and LUNCHEON for AKRIS at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 14, 2009, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Abby McGrew's Wedding with Eli Manning Was Beautiful but Private

McGrew and Manning dated for five years before he proposed in 2007 in Hoboken, New Jersey. The pair had a simple and intimate engagement, ensuring the moment was memorable and exclusive to them.

In 2008, McGrew and Manning exchanged wedding vows by the beach at the One&Only Palmilla, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Only their closest family and friends witnessed the celebration of their union.

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The beautiful bride wore a strapless white gown, while her six bridesmaids wore champagne-colored dresses. Meanwhile, Manning and his groomsmen looked dapper in khaki suits.

The couple has since lived privately with their four beautiful children, Ava, Lucy, Caroline, and Charlie. In 2014, when he was still a father of two, the athlete shared a glimpse of his life as a dad, saying:

“When we have the whole family together, maybe bath time when I have both kids in the bathtub, and they start splashing each other and making each other laugh. That usually gives me my biggest smile."

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Since adding more to their brood, McGrew's husband has purchased a mansion for them to live comfortably. McGrew's children are already interested in sports at young ages. The older kids enjoy swimming and lacrosse, while Caroline plays hockey. Meanwhile, Charlie sometimes golfs with his grandad.

Abby McGrew Worked in Fashion Design and Engages in Philanthropy

Besides taking care of her kids, McGrew is a successful fashion designer. She reportedly worked for Pamella Roland, a known evening gown designer in New York.

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McGrew is also active in her community through philanthropic acts, such as the $1 million she and her husband donated to their alma mater for a scholarship program in 2010. The couple also had a $10 million fundraising event to raise money for New York's St. Vincent's Hospital's new birthing center.

Abby Manning and Lizzie Tisch during the Dior and Saks Fifth Avenue Cruise Collection Tea Benefiting Citymeals-on-Wheels at Saks Fifth Avenue on October 27, 2009, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Abby Manning and Lizzie Tisch during the Dior and Saks Fifth Avenue Cruise Collection Tea Benefiting Citymeals-on-Wheels at Saks Fifth Avenue on October 27, 2009, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In 2016, McGrew and her husband funded the Children of Mississippi's "Growing" capital campaign, giving $1 million to help mothers in the community.

McGrew is undoubtedly an amazing woman and an even better wife to her husband. She supported his career and sat close by during games despite the cold because of her husband's beliefs. Manning was convinced that his wife was the key to his win, and when she was not by the sidelines, he would lose.

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Eli Manning, Abby McGrew and Charles Manning during a press conference to announce his retirement on January 24, 2020, at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Eli Manning, Abby McGrew and Charles Manning during a press conference to announce his retirement on January 24, 2020, at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Fortunately, McGrew understood her husband and gave in to his requests. Instead of watching from VIP suites, she instead stayed by the bleachers. Their marriage has remained strong for many years.

Like McGrew and Manning, there have been many successful marriages in the NFL, not just among athletes but coaches as well. Tammy Reid and Andy Reid's love has lasted over four decades, and like McGrew, Tammy is a very supportive wife.

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