The Miami Dolphins had their worst fears confirmed this week when team captain and offensive line anchor Terron Armstead officially announced his retirement from the NFL. While the Dolphins had been operating assuming he wasn’t returning, the confirmation still landed as a significant blow to a team that can’t afford to lose experience up front — especially when protecting franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Armstead, a five-time Pro Bowler and longtime locker room leader, didn’t just walk away quietly. He revealed the full weight behind his decision — and the physical toll of pushing through one final season when his body was telling him otherwise.
Terron Armstead Reveals Reason for Retirement
During a private retirement party attended by former Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints teammates, Armstead shared a painful secret about the 2024 season. NFL legend and former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Cam Jordan were among the notable guests.
It was there that Armstead made his announcement — and shared the serious warning he received from doctors before the 2024 season.
“The doctor told me, like, ‘Terron, to be honest with you, you need to replace this knee. You need a knee replacement. There’s no injection, there’s no surgery [as another option],’” Armstead said. “I left that day, on a Monday, I went home and I just sat with that — like there’s one thing I didn’t want to leave the game with. It’s permanent damage.”
Despite the risk, Armstead still chose to suit up for 15 games last season, determined to finish his career on his terms. It was a fitting close to a journey defined by toughness, professionalism, and elite athleticism.
A former track athlete in high school, Armstead turned heads at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine when he posted a 4.71-second 40-yard dash — the fastest ever recorded for an offensive lineman. That helped him earn a third-round selection by the Saints, where he went on to spend nine seasons, earn three Pro Bowl nods, and one second-team All-Pro selection.
In 2018, he was named a team captain in New Orleans — a leadership role he carried with him throughout his three-year stint in Miami. He was respected in every locker room he entered, so Armstead’s impact went far beyond the field.
At the retirement party, Brees delivered an emotional speech about Armstead’s legacy with the Saints. This moment quickly went viral and reflected just how much the veteran left behind in the game. Armstead may be stepping away, but his influence on teammates, quarterbacks, and locker rooms will be felt for years to come.