Dolphins' Terron Armstead Reveals Real Reason for Retirement

Former Dolphins' left tackle Terron Armstead announced his retirement this offseason siting he just couldn't perform at the same level anymore. However, this week he opened up on the specifics of his health.

Armstead was forced into retirement by a lingering knee injury that affected him for most of his career. Only now, the injury was forcing him to use pain medication constantly and left him unable to walk on his own power.

"I've been dealing with a knee injury since my third year in the league. I didn't see a practice field at all, and not because I didn't want to or the Dolphins just wanted me to rest. It's like I literally couldn't walk," Armstead said. "After a game on Sunday, I wouldn't be able to walk on my own, under my own power, until Wednesday, Thursday.

"So, I was only able to play under the pain meds. I couldn't put any pressure on my knee, so it was like, I can't keep doing that to myself."

Armstead's knee injury initially occurred in 2015 and never fully healed. The 12-year NFL veteran played an additional nine seasons in the league after his injury.

Everyone knows the game of football takes a tole on the body, and different positions have different levels of severity. The offensive line may be the most grueling of them all with the constant crouching and movements every single play.

But, this level of pain tolerance and determination to play the game of football is admirable, yet scary.

Armstead had an illustrious career in the NFL, playing his first nine seasons with the Saints before finishing his career with three years in Miami. The offensive lineman protected the quarterbacks blindside for most of his career and earned a trip to five Pro-Bowls, all coming in his final seven years in the league.