When it comes to tough decisions, few are as weighty as the one made by former Miami Dolphins standout Terron Armstead. After 17 years in the NFL, the veteran defensive lineman has chosen to step away from the game, opting for a well-deserved break. But before hanging up his cleats, Armstead made his pick in the ongoing GOAT debate, and it’s not Tom Brady.
Throughout his distinguished career, Armstead played for both the New Orleans Saints and the Dolphins. While he never captured a Super Bowl title, his five Pro Bowl selections and consistent on-field performances left a lasting impact. Known for his formidable presence on the line, Armstead was a force to be reckoned with, facing some of the league’s top talent.
Among the legendary names he squared off against was none other than Tom Brady. However, when it comes to the GOAT discussion, Armstead has made it clear where his allegiance lies. In a candid moment, he made sure the conversation excluded Brady, focusing instead on a former teammate from his time with the Saints.
In 2019, Armstead was asked about quarterback Drew Brees, and his response left no room for doubt. “Brees is the GOAT of all GOATs, that’s a fact. For me, it’s not a discussion. I’ll say it every time, he is the GOAT,” Armstead said after the Saints’ playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brees’ impact on the NFL
Undoubtedly, Drew Brees is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. While he only won one Super Bowl, his career was filled with individual accolades, including 13 Pro Bowl selections. Many consider Brees to be one of the all-time greats.
Brees was named the Super Bowl XLIV MVP and earned several prestigious awards throughout his career, such as the 2004 AP Comeback Player of the Year, the 2011 Alan Page Community Award, the 2009 Bert Bell Award, and the 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. These honors reflect his exceptional talent and leadership, which played a crucial role in leading the New Orleans Saints to the championship in 2009.
Over the course of his career, Brees posted remarkable statistics: a 67.7% completion rate, 80,358 passing yards, 571 touchdowns, and 243 interceptions. With these numbers, Brees not only cemented his legacy with the Saints but also earned respect among fans of other franchises, including the San Francisco 49ers.
Armstead’s career numbers
To fully appreciate what Terron Armstead brought to both the Saints and Dolphins, it’s important to examine his career stats. As a standout member of the defensive line, Armstead was a force to be reckoned with. His dedication to his position made him one of the best in his field.
Here are Terron Armstead’s career stats in the NFL:
- Years: 2013-2024
- Teams: New Orleans Saints (2013-2021), Miami Dolphins (2022-2024)
- Games Played: 135
- Games Started: 131
- Pro Bowls: 5 (2018-2020, 2022, 2023)
- Second-team All-Pro: 1 (2018)
Key stats from his career:
- He was consistently graded as one of the top offensive tackles in the league. In 2024, PFF rated him as the fourth-highest offensive tackle with an 89.4 offensive grade.
- His pass-blocking grade in 2024 was 84.8 (8th in the NFL among offensive tackles).
- His run-blocking grade in 2024 was 83.4 (6th in the NFL among offensive tackles).
SURVEY Can Drew Brees be considered the NFL's GOAT?
Can Drew Brees be considered the NFL's GOAT?
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