Dolphins' Five-Time Pro Bowler Announces Official Retirement

Rapoport added, "Armstead was one of the best left tackles of his generation beginning with his stint with the (New Orleans) Saints. Now, he heads into his second career."

Drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Armstead quickly established himself as one of the league's premier left tackles.

During his time in New Orleans, Armstead made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 2018 to 2020 and earned a spot on the All-Pro Team in 2018. However, a lengthy injury history and a difficult cap situation in New Orleans led him to enter free agency in 2022.

Armstead signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Dolphins, where he made two more Pro Bowl appearances in 2022 and 2023.

Much like his time in New Orleans, he battled various injuries over the years in Miami. Although these injuries affected his athleticism over the years, he was still an above-average tackle last season.

According to Pro Football Focus, Armstead received an overall grade of 89.4 (3rd out of 141 tackles) in 2024. He received an 84.8 pass-blocking grade (8th), while his run-blocking grade was 83.4 (4th).

PFF also noted that Armstead only allowed five sacks in 2,259 snaps with the Dolphins. Despite remaining an effective player, Armstead had nothing more to prove in the NFL. He ends his 12-year career with five Pro Bowls and one Second-Team All-Pro (2018) appearance in 135 career games (131 starts).

Instead of enduring another grueling season, Armstead can now focus on life outside football. Rapoport hinted at a potential post-football media career, while former Miami running back Raheem Mostert mentioned Armstead's business interests in a recent episode of The Dive Bar Podcast.

If Armstead is half as successful in his business ventures as he was in the field, he will have a lasting impact on the world. Congratulations, #72. You’ve earned a breather.