UAPB Football: Former Golden Lion, NFL Legend Terron Armstead Announces Retirement After 12 Years

Pine Bluff, AR. Former University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff offensive tackle Terron Armstead, a five-time Pro Bowl left tackle, has announced his retirement from the NFL, concluding a distinguished 12-year career. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Armstead played nine seasons with the Saints before joining the Miami Dolphins in 2022. During his time with the Dolphins, he earned Pro Bowl selections in both 2022 and 2023.

Armstead’s contributions, both on and off the field, have left a lasting impact, and he is widely regarded as one of the premier left tackles of his era. Former teammate Drew Brees remarked during the retirement event that Armstead’s leadership and consistent performance significantly influenced the team’s culture and success.

Off the field, Armstead is actively engaged in community service in the New Orleans and Miami areas, as well as in his hometown of Cahokia, Illinois, which is located east of St. Louis. He established his own foundation with the mission of empowering young people by providing them with the tools they need to become leaders in their communities and the world. In 2021, he opened the Team Armstead Community Center in Cahokia. Additionally, he has co-sponsored annual school supply giveaways for local students in New Orleans, Miami, and Cahokia and has played a key role in donating to and participating in annual Thanksgiving dinner giveaways and the list goes on.

Armstead began his football journey at UAPB, where he excelled in both football and track and field. His impressive performance at the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine, particularly his 4.71-second 40-yard dash—the fastest ever recorded by an offensive lineman—caught the attention of scouts and led to his selection by the Saints.

During his nine seasons with the Saints, Armstead earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2018 to 2020 and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2018. In 2022, he signed a five-year, $75 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, where he continued to showcase his skill and leadership, earning Pro Bowl honors in both 2022 and 2023.

“When Armstead came to us as a freshman, I remarked that this kid was going to make some money one day,” said Monte Coleman, former UAPB Head Football Coach and a player for 16 seasons with the Washington Redskins. “You could see his ability even as a freshman, so what he accomplished is no surprise to me.”

Before being drafted, Armstead arrived at UAPB from Cahokia, Illinois, four years earlier with aspirations of playing football in the fall and participating in track and field (shot put) in the spring, where he still holds the SWAC Conference record at 18.73 meters. His focus led him to choose the Golden Lions over larger schools, despite having coaches who believed he had the potential to become an NFL Draft pick.

The Saints proved these coaches right when they selected Armstead in the third round with the 75th overall pick. He played a significant role in the Golden Lions’ victory in the 2012 SWAC Championship, helping the team claim the title of HBCU National Champions. This achievement made him the highest-drafted UAPB player since Courtney Van Buren, who was selected by the San Diego Chargers in 2003.

Career Highlights and Awards

NFL Career
Pro Bowl 2023 (Miami Dolphins)
Pro Bowl 2022 (Miami Dolphins)

Pro Bowl 2020 (New Orleans Saints)
Pro Bowl 2019 (New Orleans Saints)
Pro Bowl 2018 (New Orleans Saints)

Second-Team | NFL All-Pro
NFL Second-Team All-Pro 2018 (New Orleans Saints)

College Career
HBCU National Champions 2012 (UAPB)
SWAC Champions 2012 (UAPB)
First-Team All-SWAC – 2012 (UAPB)
First-Team All-SWAC – 2011 (UAPB)
First-Team All-SWAC – 2010 (UAPB)

Community
Walter Payton Man of the Year Award- 2019 (NFL)