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Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) talks to reporters after joint practice with the Washington Commanders at Baptist Health Training Complex last summer. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Accolades Come In for Armstead

Originally posted on Miami Dolphins on SI
By Jake Mendel | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 11:20 AM ET

“The 2013 NFL draft was my first day on the job; today is my last.”

One of the top offseason storylines for the Miami Dolphins wrapped up when Terron Armstead hung up his cleats, closing the book on a 12-year NFL career defined by grit, leadership, and elite play.

While the five-time Pro Bowler was leaning toward retirement after starting 15 games last season, it became official Saturday night, surrounded by former Saints and Dolphins teammates. Reactions from former teammates quickly poured in, celebrating Armstead’s dominance on the field and presence in the locker room throughout his career.

“Congrats to my boy T-Stead, man. I’m crying real tears,” wide receiver Tyreek Hill posted on X.

“[He was] the mainstay wherever he went,” quarterback Drew Brees, who spent nine seasons with Armstead in New Orleans, said at his retirement party. “He didn’t start [his rookie season] as the starter, but it became evident very quickly that this guy was not only going to be a starting left tackle for us for a very long time, he was going to be a leader in the locker room, a leader in the huddle, and he was going to be a leader throughout the league.”

Drew Brees giving a tribute to the leader Terron Armstead was for the Saints pic.twitter.com/magL2gtK8m
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) April 6, 2025

Brees was 34 when Armstead was drafted as a 22-year-old tackle out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. They spent nine years together in New Orleans, where Armstead earned three straight Pro Bowl nods from 2018 through 2020.

Armstead called himself "the most injured guy in NFL history" adding that he always fought to be on the field. He never played more than 15 regular-season games, including 10 or fewer games in four of his first six seasons. However, teammates always saw the time and effort he invested into being available on game day.

A seven-time team captain, Armstead joined the Dolphins in the 2022 offseason, and he picked up right where he left off with two Pro Bowl nods as the anchor of Miami’s offensive line. He spent only three seasons in South Florida, but, just like New Orleans, the Dolphins saw him as one of the franchise’s top voices.

“A true leader on the field and in the community. Congratulations on a great NFL career,” the official Miami Dolphins account shared on X.

“My dawg!!! A heck of a career!!!” Jalen Ramsey said on Instagram.

Jaylen Waddle kept his response to Armstead’s news simple: “HOF.”

A true leader on the field and in the community.

Congratulations on a great NFL career, @T_Armstead72! pic.twitter.com/K1Y1pLZncD
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 6, 2025

A Career Worth Celebrating

Armstead showed up to his retirement party with career accolades stitched into his suit:

12-year NFL Vet
7x Team Captain
5x Pro Bowler
1 All Pro
2013 Draft 75th Overall
UAPB Golden Lion

Career accolades inside of Terron Armstead’s 1-of-1 custom suit by yours truly for his retirement party in Miami tonight:

12 year NFL Vet
7x Team Captain
5x Pro Bowler
1 All Pro
2013 Draft 75th Overall
UAPB Golden Lion pic.twitter.com/6rwzW4mnIr
— Gentleman's Playbook (@GentsPlaybook) April 6, 2025

Armstead started just two games as a rookie. He started 14 and allowed only three sacks the following year, according to PFF. He allowed three or fewer sacks in all but two of his 12 seasons in the NFL.

A steady pass blocker, Armstead turned heads coming out of college with a 4.71-second 40-yard dash, which set a record for offensive linemen. Impressively, his athleticism stood out as a downfield run blocker for most of his 12-year career.

His overall PFF grade (89.4) was sixth among offensive linemen who played at least 50 percent of snaps. On top of that, PFF graded 2024 as the second-best run-blocking year of his career.

Coach Mike McDaniel said the Dolphins approached the offseason as if Armstead was going to retire but left the door open after a strong 2024 campaign. Despite battling knee issues, his 821 snaps were the most since 2020.

One of the premier linemen of the past decade, Armstead is choosing to go out on a high note.