NFL Veteran Reveals Horrific Effects of Injuries Before Quitting the Game
Terron Armstead's NFL Career and His Grueling Knee Injury
Former NFL offensive tackle, Terron Armstead, stunned the sports world when he retired at 33 following a grueling 12-season career. Armstead, a five-time Pro Bowl player, spent the majority of his time with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, but a chronic knee injury took a heavy toll on his body.
A Glance at Terron Armstead's Career
Terron Armstead made a name for himself primarily as a left tackle playing for the Saints (2013-2021) and the Dolphins (2022-2024). Recognized for his impressive skills, Armstead was selected to the Pro Bowl five times during his career [1][3].
The Persistent Knee Injury
Armstead first sustained a knee injury in 2015 during his third year in the league. This injury never fully healed, causing him to limp throughout his career [2][3]. Armstead shared that after playing Sunday games, he couldn't walk independently until Wednesday or Thursday and relied on pain medication to manage his condition [1][2].
The Impact on His Career
The knee injury severely affected Armstead's ability to participate in practice and games. He often struggled to step onto the practice field and relied on pain medication to play, which limited his availability [3]. Despite these challenges, Armstead managed to earn close to $116 million during his career, demonstrating his determination and perseverance [1].
The Decision to Retire
Injuries took a heavy toll on Armstead's body, making it impossible for him to play at his previous level. Unable to bear the pain associated with his persistent knee injury, Armstead decided to hang up his cleats at 33 [2][3].
In essence, Terron Armstead's career-long knee injury severely impacted his ability to perform on the field, eventually leading him to retire from the NFL. Known for his impressive skills during his career, Armstead played through the pain, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Although he faced countless challenges, he was able to earn a substantial sum during his time in the league.
[1] NFL.com - NFL Salaries 2021[2] The Nightcap Show – Terron Armstead Interview[3] ESPN.com – Terron Armstead Career Statistics
Terron Armstead, despite his impressive NFL career, was forced to retire due to a persistent knee injury that hindered his performance on the field. Throughout his career, he showcased his skills in both American football (NFL) and football (while playing for teams like the Saints and Dolphins), earning five Pro Bowl nominations.