Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson leads LSU players in a huddle before the Tigers' game against McNeese State last weekend. The game was eventually canceled due to weather.

Patrick Peterson wanted to make clear that the $1 million he has given Louisiana State University – his former school – wasn't supposed to be by itself. The money is the "P2 Promise," which is just supposed to start off a campaign of donations to upgrade the school's football facilities.

"It's a really big start," Peterson said with a smile.

Nevertheless, Peterson's gesture is impressive on its own. On Labor Day weekend, Peterson and fellow LSU product Tyrann

Mathieu went back for the LSU-McNeese State game (a game eventually cancelled because of bad weather.) There, Peterson announced his gift.

"LSU has put me in a position to be successful on and off the field," Peterson said, noting he learned not about just football but also life situations. "It taught me so much it was a no-brainer I wanted to give back."

Peterson isn't the first Cardinal to donate a large chunk of change to his college. Defensive end Calais Campbell made a hefty gift to the University of Miami earlier this year.

For Peterson, his money will go towards an upgraded weight room.

"Patrick is a great ambassador for LSU and a serves as a tremendous role model for our players," LSU vice chancellor and director of athletics Joe Alleva said in a statement. "We watch him on Sundays in the NFL with great pride knowing that he's part of the LSU family. This gift demonstrates Patrick's commitment to his school and the passion that he has for LSU. We are very fortunate to have Patrick Peterson on our team."

Peterson said the school and the football program felt the upgrades were needed to stay current in the competitive SEC.

"In the SEC when one team is doing something to the facility, the others ones have to," Peterson said. "It's like a chess match."

Peterson is hoping to spur other former LSU student-athletes to also donate money. Mathieu, who is still playing under his third-round rookie contract, said his contribution right now was going to Baton Rouge last weekend to support Peterson in his announcement.

"I don't have a million dollars," Mathieu said. "Hopefully I can play well this season and get one of those really good contracts."