Terron Armstead Announces Retirement After 12 Seasons in the NFL
Terron Armstead’s NFL career has officially come to a close after 12 remarkable seasons filled with resilience, excellence, and leadership. The former New Orleans Saints left tackle, known for blending raw power with remarkable agility, announced his retirement on Saturday, bringing an end to a journey that began in 2013 and left a lasting impact both on and off the field.
Congrats to @T_Armstead72 on his retirement after his fantastic career 👏 pic.twitter.com/p31lTLGJwb
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 6, 2025
The New Orleans Saints honored Armstead’s retirement with a heartfelt post on social media, celebrating his contributions to the franchise. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis also released a statement acknowledging Armstead’s greatness, describing him as an exceptional player, teammate, and friend. Loomis added that the organization looks forward to recognizing his achievements in front of their fans.
Armstead’s path to NFL stardom started when he turned heads at the 2013 NFL Combine with a 4.71-second 40-yard dash—still the fastest by an offensive lineman. Despite coming from a lesser-known program at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Armstead caught the eyes of Loomis and then-head coach Sean Payton, who saw untapped potential in the young tackle.
Injuries were a recurring challenge throughout his career, with Armstead missing 38 games during his time in New Orleans. However, when healthy, he was a cornerstone of the Saints’ offensive line. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and played a key role in the Saints reaching the playoffs five times. His leadership was admired by teammates, who often compared him to a lighthouse—calm, reliable, and guiding.
Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan praised Armstead not only for his performance but also for his voice and leadership in the locker room. Off the field, the two collaborated on community initiatives that aimed to make New Orleans a better place.
Drew Brees, the legendary Saints quarterback, reflected on Armstead’s early years, recalling how it became obvious during his rookie season that he would be a long-term starter. Armstead started 93 games for the Saints and protected Brees’s blindside for much of that time.
Armstead’s official retirement announcement came in Miami, where he played his final three seasons with the Dolphins. The emotional press conference revealed just how much pain he had endured—doctors had even suggested knee replacement surgery. “I’m the most injured guy in NFL history,” Armstead joked, comparing himself to a real-life version of the board game “Operation.” But he emphasized his warrior mentality, declaring that he always pushed through the pain.
Despite dealing with injuries during his stint in Miami—including a concussion and knee problems in 2024—he remained a respected veteran in the locker room. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa both praised his determination and leadership, with Tua referring to him as “a dawg” for his grit and commitment to protecting his teammates.
After signing a $75 million deal with the Dolphins in 2022, Armstead started only 38 games over three seasons. However, his influence extended beyond playing time, mentoring young linemen like Patrick Paul and setting an example with his professionalism.
Off the field, Armstead’s legacy shines even brighter. He founded the Scholars of New Orleans learning center and participated in Miami’s 5000 Role Models initiative. He was also nominated for the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award, a testament to his dedication to giving back.
Now, as Armstead steps away from the game, many are left wondering where he ranks among the Saints’ all-time greats. Drew Brees offered a compelling answer, calling him a champion on and off the field who defined what leadership looks like in the NFL.
Terron Armstead may have faced setbacks, but his perseverance, character, and contributions to the game have secured his place as one of the most respected linemen of his era. As the curtain closes on his playing career, the void he leaves behind will be difficult to fill.