The Private Life Of A Power Couple: 5 Surprising Facts About Kerry Washington's Husband, Nnamdi Asomugha

For over a decade, actress Kerry Washington has been married to one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic figures: former NFL star and now accomplished actor/producer, Nnamdi Asomugha. Their relationship, which began in secret and culminated in a private 2013 wedding, is a masterclass in maintaining privacy in the public eye, consistently fueling curiosity among fans about the man who captured the heart of the *Scandal* star. As of late 2025, their bond remains strong, built on a shared commitment to family, philanthropy, and a quiet but powerful presence in the entertainment industry. The man who transitioned from dominating the football field to creating critically acclaimed films is far more than just "Kerry Washington's husband." He is a multi-hyphenate talent whose latest projects, including his directorial debut at a major 2024 film festival, prove his profound impact extends well beyond his celebrated NFL career. This deep dive uncovers the surprising and least-known facts about Nnamdi Asomugha's life, career evolution, and the intensely private family he shares with Washington.

Nnamdi Asomugha: A Complete Biography and Profile

Nnamdi Asomugha is a Nigerian-American former professional football player who successfully transitioned into a career as an actor, producer, and director. His life is defined by excellence in two completely different, high-stakes fields: professional sports and high-level filmmaking.

• Full Name: Nnamdi Obukwelu Asomugha
• Date of Birth: July 6, 1981
• Place of Birth: Lafayette, Louisiana, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Nigerian (Igbo descent)
• Wife: Kerry Washington (m. 2013)
• Children: Isabelle Amarachi Asomugha (Daughter, b. 2014), Caleb Kelechi Asomugha (Son, b. 2016), and a stepdaughter (Anaiya Asomugha, from a previous relationship)
• Alma Mater: University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
• NFL Career: Cornerback for the Oakland Raiders (2003–2010), Philadelphia Eagles (2011–2012), and San Francisco 49ers (2013)
• Key Entertainment Roles: Actor in *Crown Heights*, *Hello, My Name Is Doris*; Producer and Star in *Sylvie's Love*; Director/Producer of *The Knife* (2024)
• Philanthropy: Founder of The Asomugha Foundation

Fact 1: The Director’s Chair—His Major 2024 Career Pivot

While many know Nnamdi Asomugha as a former All-Pro cornerback and a respected actor, his career took a significant, new turn in 2024. He made his feature film directorial debut with the movie *The Knife*, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. This massive pivot from being in front of the camera to helming an entire production demonstrates his deep commitment to the cinematic arts. *The Knife* is a thriller that Asomugha not only directed but also co-wrote, produced, and starred in, alongside actors like Melissa Leo and Aja Naomi King. This project is not a mere dabbling in directing; it represents a serious, multi-hyphenate move that solidifies his identity as a filmmaker, not just a celebrity who acts. His previous work as a producer on the Golden Globe-nominated film *Beasts of No Nation* and the Emmy-nominated film *Sylvie's Love* laid the groundwork for this transition, but *The Knife* marks his most ambitious creative undertaking to date.

Fact 2: Their Relationship Started with a Mutual Friend and a Broadway Play

In a world of high-profile dating apps and celebrity hookups, the start of Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha’s romance was surprisingly traditional and low-key. The couple met through a mutual friend, but their initial connection deepened when Asomugha went to see Washington perform in the Broadway play *Race*. This shared interest in the arts—long before Asomugha formally retired from the NFL—was a foundational element of their bond. They married in a highly intimate, clandestine ceremony in Hailey, Idaho, in June 2013, shocking the public who barely knew they were dating. This commitment to privacy is a defining characteristic of their marriage. Washington has often spoken about their desire to keep their relationship sacred and out of the media spotlight, a strategy they've maintained for over a decade. They rarely make public appearances together, reserving those moments for significant events, making their occasional joint red carpet walks all the more special.

Fact 3: He Is a Highly Decorated Philanthropist

Before he was a celebrated actor and producer, Nnamdi Asomugha was recognized for his immense philanthropic efforts during his NFL career. His commitment to giving back is a core part of his identity. In 2010, he established The Asomugha Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact on underprivileged youth in both the United States and Nigeria. His work in the community has earned him numerous prestigious honors, far exceeding the typical celebrity charity work. Key recognitions include:

• The NFL Players Association's Man of the Year Award
• The Jefferson Award for Public Service
• He was named a Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist multiple times.

One of the Foundation's significant initiatives is the ACTS College Summit, which partners with Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix to provide information and resources about college to high school students. This long-standing commitment to education and empowerment showcases a depth of character that resonates with his wife, Kerry Washington, who is also known for her political activism and advocacy.

Fact 4: His Career Transition Included a Broadway Debut

Nnamdi Asomugha’s shift from the NFL to acting was not a casual side project; it was a dedicated, multi-year transition that included formal training and serious roles. He began his acting career with minor roles during his football off-seasons, but he fully immersed himself after retiring from the NFL. In a move that surprised many, he made his Broadway debut in 2020 in the first Broadway production of Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, *A Soldier's Play*. Taking on a role in a critically acclaimed stage production is a testament to his dedication to the craft and his desire to be taken seriously as a dramatic actor. His performance in the 2017 film *Crown Heights* also earned him critical praise and an NAACP Image Award nomination, further cementing his place as a versatile performer in the entertainment industry.

Fact 5: They Are Raising Three Children While Protecting Their Privacy

Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha are parents to three children, though they are rarely, if ever, seen in the media. They share two biological children: daughter Isabelle Amarachi Asomugha, born in 2014, and son Caleb Kelechi Asomugha, born in 2016. Additionally, Kerry is a stepmother to Nnamdi’s daughter, Anaiya Asomugha, from a previous relationship. The couple is notoriously protective of their children's privacy, a deliberate choice to give them a normal upbringing away from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood. Washington has publicly stated that she loves how she and Nnamdi operate as a team and how their immediate truth is reserved only for each other. This commitment to a private family life is a cornerstone of their long-lasting, low-drama marriage, allowing them to focus on their respective careers—from Kerry Washington's production company Simpson Street to Nnamdi's burgeoning career as a director and producer—while maintaining a stable and grounded home life. Their combined net worth, estimated to be around $80 million, is a testament to their individual successes and their powerful, quiet partnership.