Dolphins LT Terron Armstead Retires After Chronic Knee Injury

Terron Armstead, a five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle, retired from the NFL after 12 seasons due to a chronic knee injury sustained in his third year that severely limited his ability to play and practice. Despite his mental readiness and high performance levels, Armstead revealed on the Nightcap podcast that he often could not walk unaided until midweek after games and relied heavily on pain medication to continue playing. This injury forced him to miss practices and limited his game appearances throughout his career, ultimately leading to his decision to retire while leaving $15.5 million on the table. Armstead's departure leaves a significant void in the Miami Dolphins' offensive line, a gap the team aims to fill with 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul, whom Armstead praised as a potential long-term solution. Armstead's candid explanation underscores the physical toll professional football takes on players, despite their mental toughness and passion for the game. He is expected to remain involved in football off the field, continuing his role as a mentor and ambassador for offensive linemen.