Kerry Washington is a globally recognized actress and producer known for her powerful roles in series like Scandal and films like Ray. While her professional life is lived in front of the camera, her personal life remains one of the best-kept secrets in Hollywood. Since 2013, Kerry Washington has been married to Nnamdi Asomugha, a man whose own career trajectory is as impressive as it is diverse. From being a top-tier NFL athlete to becoming an acclaimed actor and director, Asomugha has built a legacy that stands independently of his high-profile marriage.

Who is Nnamdi Asomugha

Nnamdi Asomugha is a former professional American football player who spent eleven seasons as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Beyond his athletic prowess, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry as an actor, producer, and director. Born on July 6, 1981, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Nigerian parents, Asomugha was raised with a strong emphasis on education and service, values that continue to guide his professional and philanthropic endeavors today.

The Exceptional NFL Career of Nnamdi Asomugha

Before entering the world of cinema, Nnamdi Asomugha was one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL. His journey in professional football is a testament to discipline, strategic thinking, and physical excellence.

Shutdown Corner for the Oakland Raiders

Asomugha played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, where he displayed the versatility that would later define his pro career. In 2003, he was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. While he began as a safety, he eventually transitioned to the cornerback position, where he truly flourished.

By the late 2000s, Asomugha was widely regarded as one of the best "shutdown corners" in the league. A shutdown corner is a player so effective at neutralizing wide receivers that opposing quarterbacks often stop throwing the ball to their side of the field entirely. During the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Asomugha was targeted so rarely that his statistics for interceptions seemed low—not because he was underperforming, but because the ball simply never came his way. His performance earned him three Pro Bowl selections (2008, 2009, 2010) and two First-team All-Pro honors.

Final Years in the League and Retirement

In 2011, Asomugha became one of the most sought-after free agents in NFL history. He signed a highly publicized five-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, joining what was then dubbed the "Dream Team." However, the defensive schemes in Philadelphia did not always align with his strengths as a press-man corner. After two seasons with the Eagles and a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, Asomugha chose to retire from the sport.

He officially retired as a member of the Oakland Raiders, signing a one-day contract in December 2013 to honor the team where he spent the majority of his career. At the time of his retirement, he was 32 years old—a prime age to begin a second act.

From the Football Field to the Hollywood Stage

The transition from professional sports to acting is a path many have attempted, but few have navigated with the critical success of Nnamdi Asomugha. He did not simply rely on his fame as an athlete; instead, he committed to the craft of acting with the same intensity he brought to the gridiron.

Finding the Acting Bug During the Pro Years

Asomugha’s interest in the arts began long before he hung up his cleats. In 2008, he made a guest appearance on the sitcom The Game. He later credited director Peter Berg, who cast him in a Nike commercial and a small role in Friday Night Lights, for encouraging him to pursue acting seriously. Berg recognized Asomugha’s natural screen presence and urged him to "nurture" his talent.

Unlike some athletes who seek blockbuster action roles, Asomugha gravitated toward character-driven independent films. He made his feature film debut in the 2012 action-thriller Fire with Fire, but it was his work in the years following his retirement that truly caught the attention of critics.

Producing and Directorial Success with The Knife

Asomugha’s breakout as a serious actor came with the 2017 film Crown Heights, in which he played Carl King. His performance was widely praised, earning him a nomination for Best Supporting Male at the Independent Spirit Awards. He also served as a producer on the film, showcasing his desire to be involved in all aspects of storytelling.

In 2024, Asomugha reached a new career milestone with his directorial debut, The Knife. The psychological drama, which he also co-wrote and starred in, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film explores themes of family, perception, and the legal system, further cementing his reputation as a thoughtful and multifaceted artist. His work as a producer also includes notable projects like Beasts of No Nation, Harriet, and The Banker, demonstrating a commitment to stories that highlight social issues and historical narratives.

The Love Story Between Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha

The relationship between Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha is often cited as one of the most stable and private in Hollywood. In an industry where personal lives are frequently used for promotion, the couple has taken a different approach.

A Chance Meeting on Broadway

The pair met in 2009 while Kerry Washington was performing in the Broadway play Race. Asomugha had attended the show with a mutual friend. In later interviews, Washington reflected on this period, noting that her time in the theater completely transformed her life because it was where she met her future husband.

At the time, Washington was a rising star in film, and Asomugha was at the peak of his NFL career. Despite their different professional backgrounds, they found common ground in their values and their desire for a life away from the paparazzi.

The 2013 Idaho Secret Ceremony

The world was largely unaware that the two were even dating until news broke that they had married on June 24, 2013. The wedding was held in Hailey, Idaho, in an extremely private ceremony. The guest list was restricted to close family and friends, and the event was kept so quiet that it surprised even the most seasoned entertainment journalists.

The choice of Idaho as a wedding location underscored their commitment to privacy. By avoiding the typical celebrity hotspots in Los Angeles or New York, they were able to exchange vows on their own terms, free from the intrusion of the public eye.

Why This Couple Prioritizes Privacy

Kerry Washington has been vocal about her decision to keep her marriage and children out of the spotlight. Her perspective is shaped by her early experiences in the industry, including a previous high-profile engagement that taught her the complexities of sharing personal milestones with the public.

Managing Fame and Family Life

Washington often explains that by not talking about her relationship, she retains ownership of it. She has noted that if she were to share the "good stuff," she would feel obligated to share the "bad stuff" as well. By drawing a firm line, she and Asomugha have created a sanctuary for their family.

The couple has three children: a daughter born in 2014, a son born in 2016, and Asomugha’s daughter from a previous relationship, whom Washington considers her own. They rarely share photos of their children on social media and do not bring them to red-carpet events. Their philosophy is to allow their children the opportunity to choose their own public identity when they are older, rather than having one imposed upon them through their parents' fame.

Philanthropy and Social Contributions

Service is a core pillar of Nnamdi Asomugha’s life. In 2010, he established the Asomugha Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting disadvantaged youth and underprivileged orphans and widows.

The foundation operates through two main programs:

  1. Asomugha College Tour for Scholars (ACTS): This program provides high-achieving high school students from underserved communities with the opportunity to visit college campuses across the United States. The goal is to expand their horizons and provide them with the mentorship needed to pursue higher education.
  2. Orphans and Widows In Need (OWIN): This initiative focuses on providing food, shelter, medicine, and vocational training to widows and orphans in Nigeria.

Asomugha has received numerous accolades for his philanthropic work, including the NFL Players Association’s Man of the Year Award and the Jefferson Award for Public Service. His commitment to giving back is something he shares with Washington, who is also known for her activism and advocacy for civil rights and gender equality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kerry Washington’s Husband

What team did Nnamdi Asomugha play for in the NFL?

Nnamdi Asomugha spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Raiders (2003–2010). He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles (2011–2012) and the San Francisco 49ers (2013).

How many children do Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha have?

The couple shares three children. They have two biological children together: a daughter, Isabelle, and a son, Caleb. Washington is also a stepmother to Asomugha’s daughter from a previous relationship.

Is Nnamdi Asomugha still acting?

Yes, Nnamdi Asomugha is very active in the entertainment industry. In addition to acting in films like The Good Nurse and Sylvie’s Love, he recently made his directorial debut with the film The Knife in 2024.

When did Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha get married?

They married in a private ceremony in Hailey, Idaho, on June 24, 2013.

Summary of Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington’s Relationship

Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington represent a modern Hollywood power couple that balances immense professional success with a grounded and private family life. Asomugha’s transition from an elite NFL cornerback to a respected filmmaker highlights his versatility and dedication. Together, they have navigated over a decade of marriage by prioritizing their partnership and their children over the demands of the public eye. Their story is one of mutual support, shared values, and a profound commitment to using their platforms for social good, making them one of the most respected pairs in the industry today.