placeholder image

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports


Arik Armstead has a message for fans who believe he should stick to football

Jul 5, 2020 at 5:34 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead has a message for critics who would rather athletes stick to their respective sports than use their platform to speak their minds and support important causes. If you don't want to hear him speak up about racism and social issues, then how about you don't bother watching him play football on Sundays, either.

Armstead spoke with Sactown Magazine and is featured on the cover of its July/August issue. The publication posted the following quote from Armstead via Instagram (h/t to Alex Didion of NBC Sports Bay Area).

"If you don't want me speaking out against racism and social issues and social injustices, then don't watch me play on Sundays. Can't have a piece of me and not all of me."


Armstead discusses race, the NFL, and his hometown of Sacramento, California, in the interview.

"I'm a Black man first, before I was ever in the NFL or ever had this platform," Armstead is quoted in the magazine (via 49ers.com). "I dealt with these issues growing up before any of this. For me personally, my lane is speaking out, letting my voice be heard."

Armstead, who was scheduled to hit free agency, signed a five-year deal in March to remain with San Francisco. He registered 54 regular-season tackles, two passes defensed, and two forced fumbles to go along with a career-high and team-leading 10 sacks in 2019.



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

49ers mailbag: What are the latest free agency moves? Could Arik Armstead still return to SF? Who will be the second starting DT?

By Marc Adams
Mar 13

As we move into the new NFL year, the San Francisco 49ers have been making moves. There have been new additions to the team, and there have been departures. You can keep up with the latest 49ers roster changes here at 49ers Webzone. So far, the 49ers have added: DT Jordan Elliott (Browns, 2-yr, $10M) DE Leonard Floyd (Bills, 2-yr, $20M) LB Eric Kendricks (Chargers, 1-yr) DE Yetur Gross-Matos (Panthers, 2-yr, $18M) DT Maliek Collins (trade with Texans) I can't help but notice that all these players are on defense. Does this mean the 49ers will go heavy on offense during the draft? Perhaps. We'll see how the rest


placeholder image

49ers DT Arik Armstead drawing interest from Titans, others

By David Bonilla
Mar 13

Arik Armstead isn't a free agent yet, but he's expected to become one soon. The San Francisco 49ers plan to release their long-time defensive tackle after failing to negotiate a contract restructure with him. Armstead, drafted by the 49ers with the No. 17 overall pick in 2015, has spent his entire career with the team. He was slated to earn about $17.4 million in base salary in 2024 and count about $28.4 million against the salary cap. RELATED: 49ers officially release DT Arik Armstead According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Armstead is expected to have multiple suitors, including the Tennessee Titans. The Titans' general manager, Ran Carthon,


placeholder image

49ers officially release DT Arik Armstead

By David Bonilla
Mar 13

The San Francisco 49ers have made it official: the team announced the release of defensive tackle Arik Armstead with a June 1 designation. This means the $18 million salary-cap savings will hit the 49ers' books later. However, Armstead is free to sign with any team immediately. While San Francisco approached Armstead about taking a pay cut from his scheduled $17.41 million base salary, a deal could not be reached, leading to the release of the team's longest-tenured current player. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that Armstead is drawing interest from multiple teams, including the Tennessee Titans, so the defensive tackle might find a new home


placeholder image

Jaguars signing former 49ers DT Arik Armstead to a 3-year, $51 million deal

By David Bonilla
Mar 14

Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are signing former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead to a three-year, $51 million deal. Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke served in the same role with the 49ers when the team drafted Armstead in 2015. BREAKING: Free agent DL Arik Armstead is signing a 3-year, $51M contract with the #Jaguars, sources tell @BleacherReport.Armstead now joins a stout


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone