“What a huge piece of our team he is. Just in terms of where we started off and where our mindset is—in tough times or in good times. He’s one of the guys that everyone looks to.” The Miami Dolphins couldn’t hold back their emotions when a reporter brought up that offensive tackle in January 2025.

As a star in the locker room, Terron Armstead has created memories throughout his 12-year career, whether in New Orleans or Miami. The NFL world was shocked to learn Saturday that former Saints OT Terron Armstead is retiring. Ian Rapoport reported this sad news on X.

While reporting, Rapoport also gave tribute to Terron Armstead, saying, “Five-time Pro Bowl LT Terron Armstead is retiring, officially ending a star-studded 12-year career.” He also continued, adding, “Armstead was one of the best left tackles of his generation, beginning with his stint with the #Saints. Now, he heads into his second career 🎙️.” Now, as the veteran OT hangs up his cleats, his former teammate and NFL legend Drew Brees gave him a classy tribute to mark the end of an incredible journey. 

Brees was at an event probably organised for Armstead, and after learning about his retirement, Brees started his take. “12 amazing years in the NFL. The names say wherever he went. I will never forget the day that he showed up in our locker room back in 2013.” It was the NFL draft 2013 when the third round was going on, and the Saints finalized their 3rd 75th pick in Armstead, who was a standout at Arkansas–Pine Bluff. 

The 46-year-old QB continued, “He didn’t start off that year as the starter, but it became evident very quickly that this guy was not only going to be a starting left tackle for us for a very long time, but he was going to be a leader in our locker room, he was going to be a leader in the huddle, and he was going to be a leader throughout the league.” And then Breese, who played 20 seasons in the NFL, pointed out more qualities of Terron further.

In his further take, Drew said, “Number one, a lot of people define leadership in a lot of different ways. This is how I define it. Leaders make those around them better. They bring out the best qualities, the best traits.” And if you remember what the Dolphins HC said in January 2025, both confirmed the same qualities of Terron, which make him a recognizable tackle among many.

Drew also recalled, “He’s exemplified what it takes to be a champion in this league and in the locker room and with his teams for a very long time.” Terron Armstead played only nine seasons with Brees and in the Saints locker room, and this is what he got. A lot of praise from the legend himself. 

But after spending nine years in NOLA, Terron’s journey took a rocky turn. It’s quite heartbreaking, but the 33-year-old left tackle’s time in Miami didn’t go well—and there’s one clear reason behind it.

Terron Armstead’s road after the Saints: A tale of resilience

Armstead’s days in Miami weren’t exactly bright. In March, head coach Mike McDaniel shed some light on the situation. Will Armstead return in 2025? There’s been no official word on retirement, but he was well aware of the conversations happening in the locker room. And while McDaniel hinted that Terron may not return for the 2025 season. He subtly revealed a possible reason behind the veteran’s potential retirement.

McDaniel said, “I think we have to operate as though he won’t play just because you have to prepare for things that you can’t control.” And continued, “But I think he’s going to take his time with his family and loved ones and make that decision because it is not an easy one, but we will be operating.” And while the franchise started finding a new OT, Armstead decided to end the career on a high note. But hold, there is also another reason.

Brees’s former teammate had a heart-wrenching 2024 season, especially from an injury standpoint. Terron Armstead’s injury history that year was brutal. In Week 4 alone, he suffered a concussion and had to leave the game. Though he eventually returned, he sustained a knee injury in Week 11 and remained questionable through Week 18. It was a scary stretch.

However, one bad year doesn’t define a player, especially when he has consistently delivered over the years. That’s why Drew Brees took a moment to congratulate and praise him. Here’s hoping Terron Armstead enjoys retirement and continues tackling life’s challenges the way he did on the field.