Defensive lineman Armond Armstead had to take the long route to get a chance in the NFL, but it looks like his stay in the league will end without playing in a regular season game.
The Patriots announced that Armstead has retired after spending all of the 2013 season on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List. Armstead signed with the Patriots after spending one season with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL, where he landed after leaving USC after suffering a heart attack while he was a player for the school. He had an undiclosed infection last summer that led to surgery and his spot on the NFI list, although Patriots coach Bill Belichick indicated it was unrelated to the heart issue.
“It has been a pleasure being around Armond, as he gave everything he could to play for us. Armond worked extremely hard since joining us last February. He’s had a lot of adversity personally that he’s had to deal with – unusual compared to most other players – but he’s always had a great attitude, worked hard and really did everything we asked him to do. While it is unfortunate he will not be able to play football, Armond is an outstanding young man who has a very bright future in whatever path he chooses,” Belichick said in the statement announcing Armstead’s retirement.
Hopefully whatever is forcing Armstead from the game won’t get in the way of that bright future.