Ellen Heidingsfelder is an attorney and former athlete. She is known as the wife of Cooper Manning, host of The Manning Hour on Fox Sports, and the mother of Arch Manning, quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
She and Cooper had known each other since their younger years, but they only started dating later on. The two married in 1999 and have remained together since, raising three children.
Today, Ellen and Cooper continue to share a close family life, proud of the paths their children are taking and the bond that has kept them strong for more than two decades.
Who Is Cooper Manning’s Wife, Ellen Heidingsfelder?
Ellen Henican Heidingsfelder was born on December 20, 1968, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Dr. Charles Emile Heidingsfelder and Dorothy “Dot” Heidingsfelder. She grew up with two sisters, Molly Silvia Charles and Jane Heidingsfelder. She also had a younger brother, Charles E. Heidingsfelder Jr., who sadly passed away at the age of six.
Her mother, Dot, was born on June 3, 1942, to Mr. and Mrs. Caswell Ellis Henican. A lifelong New Orleans resident, Dot graduated from the Academy of the Sacred Heart in 1960 and later attended Barat College.
Like her mother, Ellen studied at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. She divided her time between classes and sports, excelling in volleyball. Playing as a 5-foot-9 middle hitter, Ellen helped her team win the school’s first state championship in 1986 and was honored as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player
Later, the celebrity spouse was also inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2015. In addition to volleyball, Heidingsfelder was involved in track and field, earning all-district honors in the high jump.
Ellen then went on to the University of Virginia and earned her bachelor’s degree. She was also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at college. She later returned to her hometown to complete her Juris Doctorate at Loyola University School of Law.
Faith has always played a central role in Ellen’s life. She was raised in a Catholic household, while her husband, Cooper, was raised Baptist. Before their marriage, Cooper decided to convert to Catholicism with the guidance of Father David Boileau of Mater Dolorosa Church.
Today, Ellen works as an attorney in New Orleans.
Cooper Manning and Ellen Heidingsfelder’s Married Life
Cooper and his wife, Heidingsfelder, grew up in the same circles in New Orleans, though it wasn’t until later that their friendship developed into something more. Their engagement was announced in March 1999 by Ellen’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Emile Heidingsfelder.
And only a few weeks later, on March 27, the couple exchanged vows at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend David Boileau with Deacon Maurice Hartson assisting.
Long before marriage entered the picture, Cooper’s own life took an unexpected turn after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a condition that cut short his football career. His life partner, Ellen, wasn’t yet part of his world then, but in the years since, her support through those challenges has been undeniable.
Cooper Is the Father of Three Children With His Wife
Manning and his spouse, Heidingsfelder, have three children together — May, Arch, and Heid — and all of them have carried a strong interest in sports.
May, born in 2002, studied at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans, following the path of both her mother and grandmother. She found her passion in volleyball and, in 2020, played a key role in leading her team to a state championship, earning the Most Valuable Player award for her performance.
Arch was born on April 27, 2004, in New Orleans. He was drawn to football from a young age and became a quarterback at Newman School before moving on to play for the Texas Longhorns.
Though his uncles Peyton and Eli are often mentioned, Arch’s biggest influences have been his parents. Cooper once joked that people act like “he and Ellen were in Sri Lanka while Peyton and Eli raised him.” The truth is Eli has never seen Arch play in person, living more than a thousand miles away with four kids of his own.
Cooper, the oldest Manning brother, once had a promising career ahead of him as a wide receiver at Ole Miss until spinal stenosis forced him out of the game. Since that condition isn’t passed down, Arch and his siblings had every opportunity to explore sports and activities. Arch grew up free to try anything. His parents signed him up for soccer, baseball, tennis, golf, basketball, swimming, music, and even wilderness camp. Despite it all, the sport Arch always returned to was football.
Heid, the youngest, was born in 2006. By his sophomore year at Newman, Heid was already playing center on the football team and also competing in lacrosse.
Where does the Manning Family Live Now?
Cooper now lives in New Orleans with his wife, Ellen, and their three kids.
