Who Is Ellen Heidingsfelder? Lawyer, Mother, and Manning Family Star

Ellen Heidingsfelder may not be a big name on TV or in sports, but she plays a very important role in one of the most famous families in American football — the Manning family.

She is the wife of Cooper Manning, the older brother of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. But Ellen is not just known for being Cooper’s wife. She is also a successful lawyer, a loving mother, and someone who has stayed strong and steady behind the scenes.

In this article, we’ll talk about Ellen’s life — where she grew up, how she became a lawyer, her love story with Cooper, and how she helped raise their children, including rising football star Arch Manning.

Ellen Heidingsfelder Quick Bio

Who is Ellen Heidingsfelder?

Ellen Heidingsfelder is a lawyer from New Orleans, Louisiana. She has worked hard in her career and built a strong name for herself in the legal world.

But most people know her as the wife of Cooper Manning, the older brother of Peyton and Eli. Ellen and Cooper have been married since 1999, and they have three children together.

One of their sons, Arch Manning, is already becoming very popular. He plays football just like the rest of the Manning family.

Even though Ellen is part of this famous family, she doesn’t like the spotlight. She stays private and spends most of her time focused on her family and work.

Ellen’s Early Life and Family

Ellen was born on December 20, 1968, in New Orleans. She grew up in a warm, loving home with her parents and siblings.

Her father’s name was Charles E. Heidingsfelder, and her mother was Dot Heidingsfelder. Sadly, her mom passed away in 2020, and her dad also passed away after many years of marriage.

Ellen had three siblings — two sisters named Jane and Molly Silvia, and a brother who sadly died when he was young.

Her family was Catholic and followed strong values. They went to church, helped others, and stayed close as a family. These values helped shape who Ellen is today — kind, strong, and caring.

Ellen’s Career as a Lawyer

From a young age, Ellen was a smart and focused student. She loved learning and always dreamed of becoming a lawyer.

She first went to the University of Virginia, where she did very well in her studies. After that, she earned her law degree from Loyola University Law School in New Orleans.

Ellen started working in courts across Louisiana, including in the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts. She worked on different types of cases and helped many people.

She is known for being calm, smart, and fair. People in the legal world respect her a lot. She also helps younger lawyers and even gives free legal help to people who cannot afford it.

Even though she is not in the news, Ellen’s work has helped many in her city. She is one of the most respected lawyers in New Orleans.

How Ellen Met Cooper Manning

Ellen and Cooper knew each other from a young age. They both grew up in New Orleans and had many friends in common.

At first, they were just friends. But over time, their bond grew stronger, and they started dating. Their love story is very sweet and real.

When Cooper found out he had a health problem called Spinal Stenosis, it was a hard time in his life. He had to stop playing football, which was his dream.

Ellen stood by him the whole time. She gave him strength, support, and love when he needed it most. This difficult time made their relationship even stronger.

Ellen’s and Cooper Manning’s Marriage

Ellen and Cooper Manning got married in 1999. Their wedding was a Catholic ceremony, showing how much faith means to them.

Before the wedding, Ellen asked Cooper to convert to Catholicism so they could share the same values and beliefs. He agreed, and it brought them closer together.

Since then, they have stayed happily married for more than 25 years. There are no reports of any problems or drama.

Their marriage is based on love, respect, and shared faith. Ellen is often praised for being Cooper’s biggest support — not only as a wife but as a friend and life partner.

Ellen and Cooper’s Personal Life and Children

Ellen and Cooper have three children, and they are very proud parents. Their kids have grown up in a loving and strong home.

Their first child is May Manning, born in 2002. She played volleyball at her school and now studies at the University of Virginia, just like her mom.

Next is Arch Manning, born in 2004. He is already a star in the football world. He plays quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, and many people believe he will be a big name in football just like his uncles and grandfather.

The youngest is Heid Manning, born in 2006. He also plays sports. He used to play baseball but now focuses on lacrosse.

Ellen is very involved in her children’s lives. She supports their sports, school, and helps them stay humble and kind. Together with Cooper, she teaches them to work hard and be good people.

Ellen’s Quiet Lifestyle

Even though Ellen Heidingsfelder is married to someone from a very famous football family, she still lives a very quiet and private life.

She doesn’t use public social media like Instagram, Facebook, or X. She doesn’t post pictures or share updates about her family online.

Ellen likes to stay out of the spotlight. She spends most of her time focusing on her family, her work as a lawyer, and her daily life in New Orleans.

She enjoys simple things — family dinners, watching her kids’ sports games, and staying close to her church. She doesn’t need fame or attention.

Ellen believes in living a life filled with love, peace, and purpose. And she keeps that focus every single day.

Family Values and Catholic Faith

Ellen was raised in a Catholic home, and she still follows her faith closely today. It’s a big part of her life.

She goes to church, prays with her family, and believes in kindness and doing good for others.

When she married Cooper, she asked him to become Catholic too. He agreed. That decision made their bond even stronger.

Their kids were raised with the same values — faith, honesty, and care for others.

Ellen teaches her children to stay grounded, be thankful, and always help those in need.

Ellen’s Net Worth and Cooper’s Success

Ellen has worked as a lawyer for many years, and that has helped her build a good income.

Her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. She earns this from her legal work and wise money choices.

Cooper Manning, her husband, has done well in business and TV. His net worth is around $13 million.

Their son Arch Manning is still in college but is already very famous. He has a value of over $2 million because of his football name and talent.

Even though the family is rich, they don’t show off. They live simply and believe in using their money for good things.

Ellen’s Role in the Manning Family Legacy

The Manning family is known all over the world. Peyton and Eli were football stars, and now Arch is following their path.

But behind all this fame, Ellen Heidingsfelder plays a big role. She’s the one who keeps things steady at home.

She supports Cooper in his career and helps guide their kids with care and wisdom.

Ellen doesn’t look for praise or attention. But her quiet strength and love are what hold the family together.

People often say she’s the “heart of the Manning family.” And it’s easy to see why.

Final Thoughts

Ellen Heidingsfelder shows us that you don’t need to be loud or famous to be strong and successful.

She is a smart lawyer, a loving wife, and a caring mother. She balances work, family, and faith in a very peaceful and powerful way.

Even though she doesn’t appear much in the media, her actions speak louder than words.

She supports one of the most famous sports families in the U.S. — not by being in front of the camera, but by standing strong behind the scenes.

In 2026, Ellen continues to inspire many people with her quiet strength, strong values, and beautiful family life.

FAQs

How old is Ellen Heidingsfelder?

Ellen Heidingsfelder is 56 years old. She was born on December 20, 1968, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

How many kids does Ellen Heidingsfelder have?

Ellen has three children — one daughter and two sons. Their names are May (or Mary), Arch, and Heid Manning.

Where is Ellen Heidingsfelder from?

Ellen is from the United States. She was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.

What does Ellen Heidingsfelder do for a living?

Ellen is a lawyer. She works in New Orleans and is known for her skills in family law, civil law, and corporate law.

What is Ellen Heidingsfelder’s height?

Ellen is about 5 feet 6 inches tall, which is around 168 centimeters.