The Miami Dolphins suffered an almighty blow to their front line with Terron Armstead announcing his retirement. While the decision felt like an inevitability, his loss is going to hurt a team that needs some consistent protection from its offensive line to have a successful season.

With the injury and concussion history of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the offensive line is arguably the most important position in Miami. And losing a proven veteran with impeccable performances like Armstead is going to hurt the team severely. But, at this point in his life, there wasn’t an alternative for the five-time Pro Bowler.

Why Did Terron Armstead Retire?

Drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft, Armstead steadily built himself into a starting-caliber player. Over time, he became a key component of the New Orleans Saints lineup, emerging as one of the most reliable tackles in the league.

During his run with the Saints, he earned an All-Pro selection alongside three trips to the Pro Bowl. But the one concern with Armstead was the injuries. In his final six years in New Orleans, he played more than 10 games just twice.

A plethora of ailments, including, but not limited to, his long-standing knee issues, led to just eight games played in 2021. However, the Dolphins came calling with a monster five-year offer worth $75 million.

Armstead had an excellent stint in Miami, making a Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons. Despite starting in 15 games in 2024, his production took a nosedive, with the Dolphins’ protection ranking 27th on PFSN’s OL+ metric.

At 33, there was a possibility that he would return to complete his contract with Miami. But he eventually chose the option of retirement. During an appearance on Nightcap hosted by Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, Armstead revealed the brutal reality behind his choice.

“My injury history is extensive, and that’s really the part for me, is my body. I love this game. Mentally, cerebrally, I can play the game forever. But it’s just physically, my body is slowing down, its movements and abilities that I just can’t perform at the same level.”

Walking away from the game isn’t easy, but it’s better to walk away on your own than it is to be forced out@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @T_Armstead72 @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/PtUG9ULUOY

— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) June 5, 2025

As a result, Armstead had to take a call. Ultimately, he chose to make his health a priority. Even Sharpe’s co-host, legendary wide receiver Chad “Ochochino” Johnson, gave Armstead credit for his self-awareness in making such a tough decision.

“I’ve been dealing with a knee since my third year in the league,” he added before revealing the extent of his problems. “I didn’t see a practice field at all. Not because I didn’t want to, or the Dolphins just wanted me to rest. It’s like I literally couldn’t walk.”

For the 2024 season, it is the sad reality that Armstead fought weekly, not being able to walk properly until Wednesday or Thursday after a match on Sunday, and pain meds became a necessity. “I can’t keep doing that to myself.”

In an emotional ceremony where Drew Brees gave a rousing speech for his long-time offensive lineman, Armstead officially called it quits, surrounded by teammates, both past and present. His impact on the field will surely be missed by Miami.

But in the long run, it might have been the best decision he could have made for himself and his body.