After 12 years in the NFL, superstar offensive lineman and HBCU legend Terron Armstead continues his invaluable contributions on and off the field.  

In our conversation with the Arkansas-Pine Bluff alum, his unwavering support for the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl, HBCU athletes, and his profound commitment to community development were the focal points.

“We have tremendous athletes,” Armstead said. “We have tremendous students in these colleges at historically black colleges and universities. It’s just about getting more exposure, getting more eyes on them, getting them more opportunities to walk into certain doors that other schools are presented with on a normal basis.”

Last Sunday afternoon, 32 National Football League representatives began meeting with the HBCU Combine and HBCU Legacy Bowl players at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans.  

Many decision-makers and scouts began the arduous draft process with little-known prospects for HBCUs.

When Armstead went through the intense draft procedures at the East-West Shrine and Reese’s Senior Bowl games in 2013, he understood needing to convince NFL teams to take a chance on the Big Guy from a Small School.

“So I was able to I was able to get some more eyes, and then I got invited to the combine. I broke the 40 record at the combine, so I was able to get eyes. And that’s really all it is. Like, as long as you can get more eyes to your film, you have a chance to do that. And that’s all we’re trying to do. So myself as one of the faces of HBCU, but all the ones before me, the all the greats, all the hall of famers, I wouldn’t have been able to get there without them. So we want to just keep pushing that forward, keep getting more eyes and exposure to the game on that on the HBCU level.”

Before Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints drafted him as the 75th overall pick in the 3rd round of that year’s draft, Armstead knew he had to set himself apart from the rest.

A consistent thread in Terron Armstead’s story is his steadfast dedication to promoting historically Black colleges and universities. Recognized with a Trailblazer award by HBCU End Zone, Armstead’s efforts do not go unnoticed.

His advocacy extends to supporting events like the HBCU Legacy Bowl and Combine, which provide young, talented athletes from these institutions with crucial visibility and opportunities.

Armstead attributes his support to a simple principle: providing more opportunities for HBCU athletes ensures the continued legacy and recognition of these institutions’ rich histories.

During his time with the New Orleans Saints, Armstead had the privilege of playing under the guidance of NFL luminaries such as Drew Brees and Sean Payton.

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and dedicating oneself entirely to the game.

Now, with the Miami Dolphins, Armstead leverages these learned principles, nurturing a young team with the wisdom of a seasoned veteran. One leadership lesson learned from Drew Brees and the Saints was the importance of a unified team dynamic and a shared commitment to success.

Armstead’s impact reaches beyond the football field. Through the Terron Armstead Foundation, he dedicates his efforts to empowering youth and promoting entrepreneurship.

Acknowledging the gaps in traditional education, his programs provide essential life skills, business acumen, and career-readiness training. His “I Am a Business” curriculum offers young participants hands-on experience in developing business plans, building confidence, and honing their public speaking abilities.

“We’ve had some success stories over the years. And, we had a kid in Miami, and his clothing brand, BCG, they won he won a pitch competition, and he won some seed money. And he’s actually he has real sales. Like, his clothing company is actually selling out there in South Florida.  So, we wanna just continue to create success stories like that, but, really, it’s about introducing the business world and just these ideas and industries to the youth.  Because, really, for the most of us in those low resourced areas, we know sports.  We know football, basketball.  You know what I mean? So we want to introduce some new thoughts.”

His foundation’s initiatives at the Team Armstead Community Center in Saguet, Illinois has had a positive affect on youth in the surrounding community, especially those in underserved areas.

“We renovated [an old bowling alley] it into what it what is now the Team Ormsday Community Center.  So the the center has been open for about a year and a half. We’re still working on some more daily programs and curriculums.” Armstead continued, “We’re in the process of becoming a daily operation, and that’s what we want to be. To offer these skills and these teachings daily.”

Taking a reflective stance, Armstead’s resilience and ability to perform consistently at high levels are a testament to his fortitude and dedication. From his days with the Saints to currently with the Miami Dolphins, a unified team is critical for success.”

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” Armstead shared. He also stated about the Dolphins, “We actually have a legitimate chance to be a Super Bowl contender, and that’s what you want.”

Terron Armstead illuminates why HBCU talent still be have a high trajectory in the National Football League – if given the chance.

He’s navigating the his career through difficulities by dridging his rich HBCU heritage with resolute NFL triumphs.   

Armstead is a passionate advocate for both the game and the community, and his story highlights the significant impact that an HBCU football athlete can have as a professional.