Is Gus Manning Related to Peyton Manning? The Legacy of Two Tennessee Volunteers

Publish date: 2024-06-05

Introduction

Gus Manning and Peyton Manning are two names that are synonymous with the University of Tennessee. Gus Manning was a longtime administrator and historian for the Tennessee Volunteers, who passed away at the age of 99 in 2023. Peyton Manning was a star quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist for the Tennessee Volunteers, who went on to become one of the greatest NFL players of all time. But are they related by blood or by name? Many fans have wondered if the two Mannings share a family connection, or if it is just a coincidence that they have the same surname. In this article, we will explore the legacy of two Tennessee Volunteers, and reveal the truth about their relationship.

The Misconception

The misconception that Gus Manning and Peyton Manning are related stems from their common last name and their involvement with the University of Tennessee. Some fans have assumed that Manning is a rare or unique surname, and that anyone who has it must be related. Some have also speculated that Gus Manning is Peyton Manning’s father, uncle, or cousin, and that he influenced his career or helped him get into college. These assumptions have been reinforced by some online sources, such as Wikipedia and Celeb Doko, that have incorrectly listed Gus Manning as Peyton Manning’s relative. However, these sources are not trustworthy or factual, and they have been disputed or deleted by other editors.

The Reality

The reality is that Gus Manning and Peyton Manning are not related at all, and they have no family ties whatsoever. Manning is a common surname that originated in England, and it means “son of Mann”. It is the 152nd most common surname in the United States, and it is also widely used in Ireland, Australia, Canada, and other countries with English influence. There are millions of people who have the surname Manning, and they are not necessarily related to each other.

Gus Manning’s real name was Gus Edward Manning, and he was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to parents who were both of Irish descent. He graduated from Rule High School in 1943, and then joined the Marine Corps, serving in the Pacific during World War II. He enrolled at the University of Tennessee in 1947, and became the first full-time employee of the athletic department in 1951. He worked under eight athletic directors and 11 head football coaches, and held various positions such as sports information director, business manager, and senior associate athletic director. He retired in 2000, but remained as a consultant and a historian until his death. He was inducted into the University of Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.

Peyton Manning’s real name is Peyton Williams Manning, and he was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to parents who were both of English descent. He is the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, and the brother of former NFL quarterbacks Eli Manning and Cooper Manning. He graduated from Isidore Newman School in 1994, and then chose to attend the University of Tennessee, despite being recruited by many other colleges. He played for the Tennessee Volunteers from 1994 to 1997, and set several records and won several awards, such as the Maxwell Award, the Davey O’Brien Award, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998, and played for them until 2011. He then played for the Denver Broncos from 2012 to 2015, and won two Super Bowls, one with each team. He retired in 2016, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

The Connection

Despite their differences and their distance, Gus Manning and Peyton Manning had a connection and a respect for each other. They both loved the University of Tennessee, and they both contributed to its success and its history. They also shared a friendship and a mentorship, as Gus Manning was one of the first people to welcome Peyton Manning to the campus, and he gave him advice and support throughout his college career. Peyton Manning also visited Gus Manning regularly, and he honored him by wearing his number 16 jersey during his Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Peyton Manning also mourned the death of Gus Manning, and he posted a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram account. He said:

“I am honored to call Gus Manning my friend. He was the ultimate Tennessee Volunteer. He served the University of Tennessee with class and distinction for over 50 years. He was a great storyteller and historian. He loved the Vols and he loved life. My thoughts and prayers are with Gus’s son, Sammy, and the entire family.”

Conclusion

Gus Manning and Peyton Manning were two of the most influential and respected figures in the University of Tennessee, but they were not related by blood or by name. They were simply two individuals who shared a common surname and a common passion. They had their own identities, their own families, and their own careers. They also clarified the misconception that they were related, and confirmed the reality of their relationship. They were not father and son, uncle and nephew, or cousins. They were just colleagues and friends.