After 12 hard-fought seasons in the NFL, five-time Pro Bowl tackle Terron Armstead has officially announced his retirement and made it clear that there will be no comeback.
Known for his rare combination of athleticism, toughness and leadership, Armstead leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond statistics. His decision, though expected by the Miami Dolphins organization, was confirmed with emotion, reflection and brutal honesty about the toll football took on his body.
Terron Armstead Closes the Book on an NFL Career Defined by Grit
Armstead, 32, revealed that his decision came after deep reflection and consultation with doctors, loved ones and former teammates on an appearance of “Up & Adams.” “I’m still trying to get used to the new normal, but it’s real, it’s here,” he said. “I’m excited about my future… I want to use my experience and share it with others.”
Terron Armstead reveals why he’s 100% done with playing football.@heykayadams | @t_armstead72 pic.twitter.com/sq6b6oR0P8
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 9, 2025
What forced Armstead’s hand wasn’t just age or a shift in priorities — it was the physical reality of a deteriorating knee that could no longer handle the demands of the game. He had been told by a team doctor early in the 2024 season that his knee was beyond repair.
“The doctor told me, like, ‘Terron, to be honest with you, you need to replace this knee. There’s no injection, there’s no surgery,’” Armstead recalled. “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 grim warning, Armstead played 15 games during the 2024 season, unwilling to abandon his teammates midseason. “I can say 100% that I’m done. I won’t be coming back and making any type of splash news. I did my process fully… and it was time.”
Armstead Leaves Behind a Lasting Legacy
A third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2013, Armstead quickly became one of the most athletic and reliable offensive tackles in the league. His 4.71-second 40-yard dash at the combine remains the fastest ever recorded by an offensive lineman. But even more impressive was his resilience.
“I took a lot of flak from the fans… but we always had open communication in the building,” he said. “I never told the media what I was dealing with. That film doesn’t come with a caption… I didn’t want any built-in excuses.”
Armstead’s farewell was met with emotion at a private party attended by teammates past and present, including Drew Brees and Tua Tagovailoa. His career ends not just with accolades, but with the respect of every locker room he entered — a true mark of a professional who gave everything to the game.