In the world of professional sports, few decisions carry as much weight as the one faced by Terron Armstead, the five-time Pro Bowl tackle for the Miami Dolphins. As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, Armstead finds himself at a crossroads in his illustrious career, contemplating whether to return for another season or walk away from the game for good. His decision is not just a personal one—it could have far-reaching consequences for both his career and the Miami Dolphins organization, which has relied heavily on his skills and leadership on the offensive line.
Armstead’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Since entering the NFL as a third-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2013, Armstead has established himself as one of the most reliable and dominant tackles in the league. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism has made him a mainstay at left tackle, protecting his quarterback’s blindside and paving the way for some of the league’s top offenses. After eight seasons with the Saints, Armstead joined the Dolphins in 2022, where he continued his stellar play, earning a fifth Pro Bowl selection and cementing his legacy as one of the NFL’s best.
However, as the 2024 season draws to a close and the 2025 campaign looms, Armstead is faced with the difficult decision of whether to return to the field. There are a number of factors that will weigh on his mind as he considers his options: his physical health, his personal goals, and the future of the Dolphins. In this article, we will explore these factors in depth, examining what Armstead’s decision means for both him and the Dolphins, and what lies ahead for the veteran tackle.
The Case for Retirement: Health and Longevity
One of the most important factors that Terron Armstead must consider when deciding whether to continue his NFL career is his health. Like many players in the NFL, Armstead has endured his share of injuries over the years, and while he has been remarkably durable for most of his career, the toll of playing in the league for over a decade is not something to be taken lightly.
Throughout his career, Armstead has had to battle through various injuries. In 2015, he dealt with a torn labrum in his shoulder, and in 2020, he had issues with his knee. While he has consistently played through these injuries, there are always concerns about how long a player can maintain their peak performance, particularly in such a physically demanding position like left tackle. As players get older, the wear and tear on their bodies becomes more pronounced, and the risk of further injury increases.
During his time with the Dolphins, Armstead has continued to battle through various injuries, including a nagging toe injury that kept him out of several games during the 2024 season. While he’s been able to stay on the field for the most part, there are signs that the injuries are beginning to take their toll. Armstead, now 33 years old, has reached the age where many offensive linemen begin to show signs of decline, and the physicality of playing in the NFL starts to become less sustainable.
Retirement would allow Armstead to walk away from the game on his own terms, preserving his long-term health and quality of life after football. He has already earned the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike, and going out on top could be the right choice if his body is beginning to break down. Moreover, the wear and tear on his body might not only impact his performance on the field but also his personal life moving forward. The decision to retire would enable Armstead to focus on his family, community involvement, or other interests outside of football, without the physical and mental stress that the game demands.
The Case for Continuing: Legacy, Leadership, and Opportunity
On the flip side, there are several compelling reasons why Terron Armstead might choose to return for another NFL season. One of the strongest motivators for many professional athletes is the desire to continue competing at the highest level and to further cement their legacy in the sport. Armstead has already established himself as one of the top tackles of his era, but there is still room for him to add to his legacy if he chooses to continue playing.
For Armstead, a return to the field would give him the opportunity to chase more accolades, including possibly another Pro Bowl selection or an All-Pro honor. While those individual awards may not be his primary focus, the recognition of his talent and consistency throughout his career is something that every player seeks. The satisfaction of playing at a high level for as long as he has is something that cannot be understated. Continuing to excel at a position as physically demanding as left tackle, especially at his age, would only serve to solidify his reputation as one of the greats in the history of the position.
Another factor that may influence Armstead’s decision is his leadership role on the Miami Dolphins. While he has proven himself as one of the NFL’s top tackles, his influence extends beyond his on-field performance. Armstead has become a key leader in the Dolphins’ locker room, helping guide younger players and setting an example for the rest of the team. His experience and leadership have been invaluable to the Dolphins’ offensive line, and it’s clear that his presence is highly regarded by both his teammates and the coaching staff.
As the Dolphins look to build a championship contender, having a player like Armstead on the roster can provide stability and consistency. Miami’s offensive line has been a work in progress over the past few seasons, and Armstead’s leadership and veteran presence have helped solidify a line that had previously been one of the team’s most significant weaknesses. Whether it’s providing guidance to younger offensive linemen or helping the Dolphins’ quarterbacks stay protected in crucial situations, Armstead’s experience would be hard to replace.
Additionally, the Dolphins still have significant potential to contend in the AFC in the upcoming seasons, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and running back Raheem Mostert leading the charge. With their explosive offensive weapons and a defense that has shown promise, Miami could be on the verge of something special. Armstead may be motivated to return for one final run at a Super Bowl, as this could be one of the best opportunities he has had in his career to compete for a championship. If he believes that he can still contribute to that goal, it could be the ultimate driving force behind his decision to come back for another year.
The Dolphins’ Situation: Roster Decisions and Future Outlook
When Terron Armstead makes his decision, it will not only affect his personal future but also have a significant impact on the Miami Dolphins and their plans moving forward. Miami’s front office will likely be closely monitoring Armstead’s situation, as his presence on the offensive line is a critical piece of the team’s puzzle.
The Dolphins have made significant strides in recent years, and the team is entering a window where it could realistically contend for a Super Bowl. The return of Armstead could provide stability on the offensive line and create a more favorable environment for Tua Tagovailoa to develop into the leader Miami needs him to be. With players like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Raheem Mostert, the Dolphins have the offensive firepower to compete with the best in the NFL, but their success will ultimately hinge on the protection provided by their offensive line.
Armstead’s leadership is particularly important given the Dolphins’ need for continuity and cohesion on the offensive line. While Austin Jackson, Liam Eichenberg, and other young linemen have shown promise, they still lack the consistency and experience needed to be elite at the NFL level. Armstead has been the anchor of this line for the past two seasons, and his experience cannot easily be replicated.
If Armstead decides to retire, the Dolphins will need to find a suitable replacement, either through the draft or free agency. Replacing a player of Armstead’s caliber is no easy task, and Miami may be forced to invest significant resources into fortifying their offensive line. Given the team’s competitive window, it would be a tough blow to lose a player of Armstead’s caliber just as the Dolphins are gearing up for a potential championship run.
What’s Next for Terron Armstead?
The decision that Terron Armstead faces is not one that he will take lightly. After more than a decade of playing in the NFL and achieving great success, the five-time Pro Bowler must weigh the pros and cons of continuing his career versus stepping away and preserving his long-term health.
For the Dolphins, the stakes are high. With the team on the verge of competing for a Super Bowl, the return of Armstead could be the final piece needed to put them over the top. However, it’s also understandable if Armstead decides that it’s time to walk away, particularly if the physical toll of the game has become too much to bear.
Ultimately, Armstead’s decision will be guided by a combination of personal factors, including his health, his desire to continue competing, and his role within the Dolphins’ locker room. Whether he decides to return for one more season or call it a career, Armstead will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the NFL, and his decision will shape the future of the Miami Dolphins for years to come.