By Mark Stallworth, Miami Times Contributor
(Source: Miami Times)
Five-time Pro Bowl left tackle is shifting his focus to music as “T-Stead”
12-year NFL veteran Terron Armstead retires.
During an emotional evening surrounded by former teammates, coaches and close friends, five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Terron Armstead announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons.
The private ceremony, hosted by the Pro Athlete Community (PAC), drew familiar faces from every chapter of Armstead’s career — from his alma mater, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, to his final stretch with the Miami Dolphins. In attendance were NFL greats such as Drew Brees, Cameron Jordan, Calais Campbell, Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston, Tyreek Hill and a host of former teammates, including Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Waddle, Mark Ingram, Robert Jones and Raheem Mostert.
Standing before the room of football legends and loved ones, Armstead made it official: “2013 was my first day on the job, and today is my last.”
From the moment the New Orleans Saints drafted him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft (75th overall pick), Terron Armstead was more than just a lineman; he was a force — a dominant presence on the field, a mentor in the locker room, and a beacon of inspiration off the gridiron.
A Leader Among Giants
Drew Brees, Armstead’s longtime teammate with the Saints, gave a powerful tribute.
“Leaders make those around them better. Those are the best leaders. That’s Terron,” said Brees.
Armstead’s leadership wasn’t just heard of through pregame speeches or locker room meetings — it was felt through action. Whether protecting franchise quarterbacks or mentoring rookies on the offensive line, his presence elevated every team he was a part of.
Cameron Jordan, who shared nearly a decade of battles and brotherhood with Armstead, also gave his remarks.
“Everything he does in giving back to the community inspires me and pushes me harder,” said Jordan.
From the Trenches to the Community
When Armstead signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2022, he brought experience as well as purpose. In South Florida, he deepened his commitment to uplifting the next generation.
Earlier this year, Armstead was honored as a role model for the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project during the 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast. This prestigious recognition resulted from his passionate community involvement and his nonprofit foundation, the Terron Armstead Foundation.
The mission of the Terron Armstead Foundation is to provide a reliable and practical resource for individuals and communities by utilizing education and real-life experiences to foster success and support others.
“You can lead on the field. But off the field, that’s where you leave a legacy,” said Armstead.
A Champion for HBCUs
Armstead never forgot where he came from. Armstead had only one scholarship offer coming out of Cahokia High School in Cahokia, Illinois.
He recalled the one phone call that changed his life, and the rest was history.
A proud graduate of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), Armstead has been one of the loudest and most consistent advocates for HBCU athletes. He is a vocal supporter, but he’s also a builder.
Through his efforts with the HBCU Legacy Bowl, he has opened doors for under-recruited talent to shine on national stages, giving back to the same system that helped mold him into the NFL star and community leader he is today.
Walking Away on His Terms
Despite a career that included multiple Pro Bowl selections, playoff appearances and iconic battles in the trenches, injuries were a recurring challenge for Armstead.
Ultimately, it was that self-awareness and foresight that led him to hang up the cleats now, before the game could make that decision for him.
“I’ve given the game everything I had, and now it’s time to give myself and my family everything I’ve left,” he told the crowd.
But Armstead’s retirement isn’t a farewell. It’s a transition.
T-Stead: The Next Chapter
Music has always been a passion for Armstead, known to fans as T-Stead. Far from a hobby, his artistry has grown into a second career. In a significant accomplishment, five of his songs are featured on the Madden NFL 25 soundtrack, showcasing his versatility and voice on a global stage.
And that’s just the beginning.
With unreleased music and plans to have his work featured in an upcoming feature film, Armstead’s post-football life is already in motion, and fans are eagerly waiting to see (and hear) what’s next.
A Legacy Bigger Than Football
Armstead’s career will be remembered for his elite skill set, unwavering leadership and resilient spirit. But his impact goes far beyond the game.
He retires as a protector — not just of quarterbacks, but of dreams, communities and futures.
And while one chapter has closed, Armstead’s story is still being written — one verse, one initiative, one inspiration at a time.
