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

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.