Patriots' Defensive Lineman Armond Armstead Announces Retirement
BOSTON (CBS) -- Armond Armstead's career with the Patriots is over before it got a chance to start.
The 23-year-old defensive lineman announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Armstead originally signed with the Patriots in February 2013 after one season with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. But he was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List in August, and never played a game for New England.
"It has been a pleasure being around Armond, as he gave everything he could to play for us," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "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."
Armstead played for the Argonauts after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2012 out of the University of Southern California. He compiled 43 tackles, two special teams tackles and six sacks with Toronto. He was also named to the CFL All-Star game and helped Toronto win the Grey Cup.
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