Armond Armstead

Armond Armstead (born August 3, 1990) is a former defensive tackle for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at USC. He was signed by the Argonauts as an undrafted free agent in 2012.

High school football

Armstead played high school football at Pleasant Grove High in Elk Grove, California. His honors included Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West honorable mention, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-Northern California, Sacramento Bee All-Metro and All-Metro League MVP as a senior defensive and offensive lineman at Pleasant Grove High in Elk Grove (Calif.). He had 88 tackles and 11 sacks in 2007. As a junior in 2006, he had 79 tackles and 5 sacks.

College football

Armstead attended the University of Southern California, playing three seasons from 2008 to 2010, starting 17 games and recording 59 tackles. However after an initially undisclosed injury, USC's staff refused to medically clear him to play in 2011. He later sued the school, accusing team doctors of giving him painkillers (Toradol) that caused a heart attack and damaged his future earning potential.

Professional football

Toronto Argonauts In 2012, Armstead was signed by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. In his rookie CFL season, Armstead compiled 43 defensive tackles, 2 special teams tackles, and 6 quarterback sacks. On July 29, 2013, Armstead underwent surgery to treat an undisclosed infection. On August 26, 2013, he was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list. On July 16, 2014, he announced his retirement from football at the age of 23.

Personal life Armstead's brother, Arik Armstead, played college football at Oregon and is currently on the Jacksonville Jaguars.