Andrus Peat, one of the more decorated offensive linemen of his generation, announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday at age 32. He made the announcement in a post on Instagram, closing out an 11-year career that included three Pro Bowl selections and four NFC South division titles with the New Orleans Saints.
Peat was selected by the Saints with the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Stanford. He spent the first nine seasons of his career in New Orleans, primarily as their starting left guard. His best stretch came between 2018 and 2020, when he earned Pro Bowl honors in three consecutive seasons. During that same window, the Saints won four straight NFC South titles, from 2017 to 2020, with Peat anchoring a dominant offensive line.
After the 2023 season, Peat left New Orleans and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he served as veteran depth. He appeared in 15 games with the Raiders but started only one. He then joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in a similar backup role, playing in six games and starting three before his career came to a close.
According to Fox News, Peat wrote in his Instagram caption, "11 years in the league, I gave it everything I had. I may be walking away from football, but not from the lessons it taught me. Thank you to my coaches, teammates, and especially my brothers in the trenches. I'm grateful beyond words that I was able to live out this dream." He added, "On to the next chapter with my wife and sons. All glory to God!"
His wife, Ashley, responded to the post directly. "We are SO proud of you baby!!!! Thank you for everything you sacrificed and worked so hard to provide for us all these years. Can't wait to enjoy this next chapter with you," she wrote, along with three heart emojis.
Peat's career arc reflects a common pattern for high-drafted offensive linemen who age out of starting roles before leaving the game entirely. He went from a top-15 pick and multi-time Pro Bowler to a reserve contributor in his final two seasons, but his overall body of work, particularly during the Saints' dominant run, places him among the better guards of the 2010s.
