7 minute read
Three Peat
by Brad Ferrand
Saints lineman Andrus Peat and his family are committed to leaving a positive legacy in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS offensive lineman Andrus Peat and his family are happy to call New Orleans home. Andrus and his wife, Ashley, along with their one-year old son, Samson, have fallen in love with New Orleans over the last 8 years. Peat has been a rock on the Saints offensive line during his NFL career. This year, he is the leader of the Saints offensive line as the most senior member of that unit. He, like former Saint Marques Colston, lets his fierce play on the field do most of the talking for him. However, Peat, along with his wife Ashley, hopes to become a more vocal leader not only on the Saints, but in the New Orleans community this season.
Peat comes from an athletic family. Andrus is one of seven siblings, all of whom are athletes. His dad, Todd, played for nine seasons in the NFL as an offensive guard. His older brother played college football at Nebraska, and his sister, Leilani, played college basketball for the Seattle Redhawks. Andrus also has a younger sister who plays basketball for Arkansas Pine Bluff. His two younger brothers are high school football and basketball stars. “My dad taught me the definition of legacy, and I’ve instilled that into my home,” Peat says. “I hope to contribute to a legacy that our children’s children can be proud of.” Pete was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Stanford University. Since that time, Peat has been a versatile member of the offensive line for the Saints, playing multiple positions along the line to help in any way he can when called upon. Currently, has started 80 games for the Saints. During his career, Peat has battled adversity on the field, suffering multiple injuries that have cut a few of his seasons short. But Peat has learned to always keep a positive attitude during these periods.
“It’s definitely challenging to miss time with injuries and not be able to help my team win games. There is an obvious physical aspect when it comes to battling an injury, but the mental aspect is just as important,” Peat says. “Mental health is a priority to my family and I. I keep a very positive mindset and control what I can. My family’s faith and consistent prayer is the key for us.” Peat loves playing in front of the greatest fans in the World. “Sundays in the dome is for sure my favorite. I love how passionate New Orleans is for us. It truly is special,” Peat exclaims. Andrus is excited about the 2022 NFL season with the Saints and new head coach Dennis Allen. He is especially excited about the group of guys in the locker room this season. “Our team is very hungry and eager to bring a championship back to the city of New Orleans,” Peat says. Peat also loves that despite a change at head coach, the core group of assistant coaches stayed, and therefore, the winning culture around the Saints organization remained the same. Peat attributes the quality of the organization to the amazing leadership of owner, Gayle Benson, along with Mickey Loomis and a firstrate front office. “The quality trickles down from the top of the organization all the way to the players. It’s amazing to be able to play for such a quality organization,” Peat says.
Andrus and his wife Ashley met in Los Angeles while Andrus was visiting college friends. There was a connection immediately. Ashley was born and raised in Australia, but she has New Orleans roots. Ashley’s father was coincidentally born in New Orleans. Andrus no doubt has great taste. When it came time to pop the question, Andrus proposed to Ashley at GW Finns, another great decision by Andrus. The Peat’s son, Samson, just celebrated his first birthday, and is beginning to explore New Orleans along with mom and dad and their rescue dog, Atlas. Samson is aptly named, as he has a head of hair that would make Lenny Kravitz jealous. The Peat’s love taking Samson on long walks in City Park and at the lakefront. They also look forward to bringing Samson to the Children’s Museum for his first visit. During the season, Monday nights are reserved as a date night for the Peats since the Peat and the Saints players usually have Tuesdays off. Some of their favorite date-night spots include Neyow’s Creole Café and GW Finns. The Peats have not yet experienced Mardi Gras, but promise that it is on their bucket list. They humbly ask for forgiveness for that. They also enjoy traveling during the offseason, and especially cherished a trip back to Ashley’s native Australia in 2019. They hope to bring Samson to Australia in the future.
The Peats are no strangers to giving back, especially here in New Orleans. Andrus and Ashley have recently launched their organization, “Peats Purpose,” in an effort to help give back to the youth in the New Orleans community. “Peats Purpose” envisions a legacy that focuses largely on arts, education, and health, while focusing on giving back to the community and intentionally making a difference to those in need. “We aim to have quarterly, if not more, events a year, “Ashley says. “It means the world to us to see that we are impacting people’s lives. Both our families have philanthropic hearts,” Peat says. “We were raised to give when you can. Giving doesn’t always have to mean financially. It can be time, experience, knowledge, and more. We hope to do more here in New Orleans this year, “Peat concludes. The Peats hope to schedule several events in New Orleans and in Arizona for “Peats Purpose” to help children in the community.
Last year, “Peats Purpose” held an event at Dave and Busters in which over one-hundred foster children attended. The Peats also plan on scheduling a Christmas event this year to help uplift disadvantaged youth during the holidays. “Peats Purpose” is such a wonderful example of selfless giving that is so needed currently in the New Orleans area for our youth. Andrus exclaims, “I want to see more opportunities and programs for youth to utilize. I would love to help provide resources to contribute to our youth for more success,” Peat says. Peat concludes, “I pray that our youth maximizes their full potential and follow their dreams, whatever they may be. Football is a vehicle that enables me to leave an imprint on communities. I am hopeful that the “Peats Purpose” family and I can make an impact on this city. Together we can do a lot!” The Peats are no doubt making their voices heard and leaving a positive legacy on the New Orleans community. Who Dat Nation and New Orleanians salute the Peat’s efforts on and off the field. We encourage everyone to check out “Peats Purpose” and consider helping in any way you can.
