HBCU All-Pro offensive lineman explains why he walked way from NFL

After 12 seasons of banging helmets and shoulder pads with the NFL’s best, the decision to retire was a simple one for Arkansas-Pine Bluff alum Terron Armstead.

“God blessed me with so many great moments, great years and a great career, but my injury history is extensive,” Armstead said on a recent edition of Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson’s Nightcap podcast. “The biggest part for me is my body. I still love this game; mentally, cerebrally, I could play this game forever. Physically, my body is slowing down.”

Walking away from the game isn’t easy, but it’s better to walk away on your own than it is to be forced out@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @T_Armstead72 @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/PtUG9ULUOY

— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) June 5, 2025

Johnson credited Armstead, who turns 34 in July, for having the self-awareness to know when to walk away, then asked him when he knew it was time to retire.

“I’ve been dealing with a knee issue since my third year in the league,” Armstead answered. “I didn’t see a practice field and that’s not because the Dolphins didn’t want me to or I wanted to rest; I couldn’t walk after games. I was only able to play under pain meds. I couldn’t put any pressure on my knee, so it was like ‘I can’t keep doing that to myself.’”

Armstead played offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints from 2012 to 2021 before joining the Dolphins as a free agent. He played 135 games, starting 131. He was a second-team All-Pro selection for the Saints in 2018 and made five Pro Bowl appearances.

He was a three-time All-SWAC first team offensive lineman before being drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft, the highest HBCU draft pick in recent memory.

Armstead announced his retirement on social media in April, saying that “This was always more than a game to me! This has literally been my LIFE. I look back at my entire journey and I walk away grateful, proud, excited, and at peace, knowing I did it the right way!! Full investment to maximize the blessings God gave me!!”