Andrus Peat

Andrus Jamerson Peat is a professional American football player known for his prowess as an offensive tackle. Born on November 4, 1993, in Arizona, Peat has carved a niche of his own in the football world. Currently a player for the Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League (NFL), Andrus has almost a decade-long football stint with the New Orleans Saints, establishing a legacy of blazing speed and an unrivaled technique ever since the Saints chose him in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. Before his NFL career, Andrus was part of the Stanford Cardinal college football team.

The seeds of Andrus’ football excellence were sown during his high school years. He attended Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona, attaining letterman honors in football, basketball, and track. Interestingly, he played center for his high school basketball team, leading them to a Division 1 state championship during his senior year. Adding to his athletic versatility, Andrus competed in shot put and discus throwing during his track and field days.

Peat’s senior year was a turning point in his budding football career. His indomitable skill resulted in him being considered as the best college football recruit by Sporting News. Offers flew in thick and fast with as many as 38 football scholarships from distinguished colleges. Scout.com, Rivals.com, and ESPN recognized his worth, with ESPN ranking him the 16th-best player in his class of recruits.

He accepted the scholarship from Stanford University, joining the Cardinal team as a freshman. Peat played in all 13 games of his first season and started in each of the 14 games in his sophomore year in 2013. His performance crowning him as the winner of the Morris Trophy and an All-American in his junior year in 2014.

Shortly after his exceptional junior season, he declared his decision to enter the 2015 NFL draft—an event that changed his career trajectory. In the 2015 NFL Combine, commentator Mike Mayock aptly summarized the potency of Peat’s 40-yard dash and his athletic build. Consequently, on April 30, 2015, the New Orleans Saints chose him with the 13th pick in the NFL Draft.

Entering into a professional career with the Saints, Peat secured a four-year contract for $11.39 million. Despite a challenging rookie season marred by injuries, he managed to play in 12 games and start in 8. Subsequently, in 2016 and 2017, he held his own as the starting left guard, seamlessly replacing injured teammates when necessary.

Amid a playoff game in 2017, Peat met with a challenging predicament of a broken fibula and a high ankle sprain, leading to his placement on the injured reserve. His remarkable performance nonetheless prompted the Saints to pick up the fifth-year option on his contract in 2018. In 2020, he was retained for another five-year term for a whopping $57.5 million.

After an unfortunate pectoral tear in 2021, Peat was once again placed on injured reserve. A significant change came in his career when he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in May 2024. His decision marked a new chapter in his professional football journey, one that continues to gather momentum.

Peat carries a rich sports legacy, being the son of former NFL offensive guard Todd Peat and the brother of Todd Jr., the former defensive tackle for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His younger brother Cassius and sister Leilani carried the torch forward with their respective careers in football and women’s college basketball. His story reflects his astounding journey in the sporting world and is a testament to his determination, resilience, and relentless zeal for the game.