Terron Armstead’s football journey has officially come full circle.
The Miami Dolphins have placed the veteran offensive lineman on the Reserve/Retired list, marking the formal close of a storied 12-year NFL career that began at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff—an HBCU where Armstead’s talent first made national headlines.
From SWAC Star to NFL Anchor
Before he became a five-time NFL Pro Bowler, Armstead was a force on the offensive line at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Between 2010 and 2012, he earned First-Team All-SWAC honors three years straight and was widely regarded as one of the most athletic linemen in college football. His 4.71-second 40-yard dash at the 2013 NFL Combine—remarkable for a 6-foot-5, 300+ pound tackle—catapulted him into third-round draft consideration, where he was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 75th overall pick.
Armstead quickly proved he belonged. Over nine seasons in New Orleans, he started in 97 games and protected legendary quarterback Drew Brees through some of the team’s most competitive years. In 2018, he was named Second-Team All-Pro. He also earned three Pro Bowl selections while with the Saints and two more after joining the Miami Dolphins in 2022 on a $75 million deal.
Celebrating a Legacy of Greatness
Armstead celebrated his retirement in style with a star-studded farewell party in Miami attended by former teammates, NFL stars, and close friends. Among those in attendance were Drew Brees, Cam Jordan, and members of the Dolphins organization—all gathered to honor a player who earned respect both on and off the field.
Though injuries shortened some of his final seasons, Armstead’s impact in Miami was immediate and transformative. He brought leadership to a young offensive line and was a pivotal figure in protecting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during a resurgence in the Dolphins’ playoff hopes.
A Champion for HBCUs
Armstead’s story is more than stats and accolades—he’s become a powerful ambassador for HBCUs in professional sports. He founding partner of the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, alongside NFL legends Doug Williams and James “Shack” Harris. The game was created to increase NFL exposure for players from historically Black colleges and universities, and it has already become a premier scouting event for pro teams.
His work in supporting Black college athletes hasn’t gone unnoticed. From mentorship programs to advocacy platforms, Armstead has remained vocal about the need to invest in HBCUs and the athletes they develop.
Giving Back to the Community
Off the field, Armstead’s philanthropic efforts are just as impressive. In his hometown of Cahokia, Illinois, he started the Team Armstead Foundation, which focuses on youth development, mentorship, and creating safe community spaces. One of his signature projects includes the transformation of a local bowling alley into the Team Armstead Community Center—a hub for educational and recreational programs.
His commitment to service mirrors the values instilled during his time at UAPB, and his foundation continues to give back through sports camps, business bootcamps, and scholarships.
As Armstead closes the chapter on his playing career, his legacy as an HBCU great only continues to grow. He leaves the NFL not just as an elite athlete but as a trailblazer who opened doors for the next generation of Black college talent.
