“The NFL changes your body forever” - Terron Armstead

It’s mid-afternoon at the AS newsroom and, amid the usual buzz, heads begin to turn toward the main entrance. In walks Terron Armstead, 34, from Cahokia, Illinois – a towering 6-foot-5, 305-pound presence who commands the room just by being in it. He’s visiting as one of the defining figures of the last decade in the NFL. Over 12 seasons, nine with the New Orleans Saints and three with the Miami Dolphins, Armstead earned five Pro Bowl selections before retiring this past April after years of battling injuries.

He films the newsroom on his phone, mentions how he’s hoping to catch a soccer match in Madrid, and sits down for a long conversation. Of course, he’ll be at the Bernabéu this Sunday to watch his former teammates take on the Washington Commanders.

How’s your time in Spain going?

It’s been great. I’d been here before. I love this country. Years ago, I spent some days in Barcelona and then a few more in Madrid. I can honestly say Madrid is my favorite of the two – maybe even my favorite place in the world so far.

And what’s life like after football?

It’s been amazing. Really good – fun, different. A lot of changes, but I’m taking things step by step, no rush. Some days are harder than others, but overall it’s been fantastic. I spend way more time with my kids, watching them grow and develop. I’m also diving deeper into the business world, getting active with my own projects. It’s been an incredible experience.

Do you miss the NFL?

There are parts I miss, but I wouldn’t say I miss playing. I think I got that out of my system. What I miss is the flight home after a win or being in the locker room celebrating. Those 30 minutes after a victory – you can’t recreate that feeling anywhere else.

In high school, you were a standout shot putter, reaching 61 feet. Do you think you could have gone far in track and field?

Yeah, I really do. If I’d stayed with it, I think I could’ve had a shot at the Olympics. I kept improving every year even with little technique or preparation. With more reps, experience, and training, I believe I could’ve been an Olympian.

Football takes a physical toll. Did you ever regret choosing it over athletics?

No regrets. I’ve faced a lot of challenges – adversity, injuries, so many of them, some that will stay with me for life. I could think about the permanent damage or that I should’ve retired earlier, but no. Every moment was worth it.

You mentioned lasting injuries. How heavy is that physical cost after 12 NFL seasons?

Anyone who’s played even one day in the NFL gets hurt. Your body changes forever. I had a lot of serious injuries and surgeries. My right knee is my troublemaker – I’ve had five operations. I’ll probably need a knee replacement one day. It bothers me daily. But still, no regrets.

Did you consider retirement each year toward the end?

Yes, those last three or four years were like that. Every offseason, I’d reflect on who I was as a player, a man, a person. I’d pray, talk to God, and make my decision from there.

Looking back, what’s the most special thing football gave you?

Two things. First, the values – teamwork, accountability, leadership, discipline. They shaped me. And second, the relationships. The people I met, the ones I could help. Those human connections are what matter most.

Now that you’re retired, you often talk about financial education. Why is that so important for athletes?

Financial literacy and experience are some of the most important things I can preach to any player. I’ll keep pushing guys to learn more, to truly understand their finances. Because it doesn’t matter how much you make while playing – one day that income stops. If you don’t understand money or how to manage it, keeping your lifestyle gets hard. Even if you earned millions, you can’t spend the same way forever. That moment when someone first tells you “you can’t buy that” – it’s a shock for a lot of players.

Do players get enough support, or does it depend more on their circle?

It’s improving. People are talking more about it now, especially in football. When I was a rookie 13 years ago, no one talked about money or business. Now you hear those conversations in locker rooms, cafeterias, meetings. That’s good – it gives players the chance to learn and understand what truly matters.

Mental health is another big issue. Just last week, Marshawn Kneeland took his own life. Is the NFL doing enough in that area?

Yeah, I think the NFL has made real progress. When I came in, it was barely discussed. Then the concussion and CTE studies brought attention, and the league responded. Now there are therapists, doctors, specialists – more support overall. Things have improved a lot.

What were the biggest challenges of your career?

Definitely the mental ones. I could handle physical pain, but mentally it was tougher. When you’re injured, you feel like you’re not part of the team anymore. You hear criticism from fans and media. You have to deal with money, with people’s problems, because when you have money, you end up helping a lot of others. It’s mentally exhausting, and most people have no idea what a pro athlete goes through. I’m not asking for sympathy – I just want people to know we’re human too.

How do you see your former team, the Dolphins, this season?

This game in Madrid is a big opportunity for them, especially after that win against the Buffalo Bills, which surprised a lot of people. Now’s the time for them to start playing the kind of football they want to play. They’re facing the Commanders, who are struggling and full of doubts. When Jayden Daniels comes back, they’ll improve, but for now he’s out. So it’s a good chance for Miami to get another win and build momentum.

Do you think the criticism of Tua Tagovailoa is fair?

Tua’s the most talked-about player in the NFL, and I don’t get why. His name sparks debate immediately, but he handles it really well. He’s young – just 27. People criticize him more than some guys who’ve been in the league for a decade. Being the franchise QB in Miami and coming from Alabama draws attention. But he manages it beautifully. I love watching him have fun, play with confidence, talk a little trash, enjoy the game. When he’s at his best, he’s a joy to watch.

Last one – do you see yourself returning to the NFL someday, maybe as a coach or executive?

I don’t think I’ll coach or sit in a front office, but I’ll stay close to the game. I’m doing consulting work with several teams, mostly on offensive line play and mindset. I also do media work, so I’m still plugged in. I think that’s where my path will stay.

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