Raymond Lester “Trace” Armstrong III is a name that resonates with football fans, especially those who followed the NFL from the late 1980s to the early 2000s
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. Born on October 5, 1965, in Bethesda, Maryland, Armstrong’s journey to the NFL is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game
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Armstrong attended John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Alabama, where he excelled as an outside linebacker and defensive end
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. His impressive performance earned him an all-state selection and a spot among The Birmingham News’ top twelve players in Alabama as a high school senior
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. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he earned an athletic scholarship to Arizona State University
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At Arizona State, Armstrong began his college career as a defensive tackle for the Sun Devils
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. He red-shirted in 1984 and played in ten games as a freshman in 1985, totaling 32 tackles
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. His sophomore year saw him contribute to the Sun Devils’ Rose Bowl victory over the Michigan Wolverines, recovering a key fumble in a crucial game against the USC Trojans
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. By his junior year, Armstrong was a starter and played a pivotal role in the Sun Devils’ 30–21 win over the Oregon State Beavers, sacking the quarterback in the end zone for a safety
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Armstrong’s college success caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears
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. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 275 pounds, Armstrong was a formidable presence on the field
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. Over his 15-season career, he played for the Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, and Oakland Raiders
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. He was known for his tenacity and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, recording 106.0 sacks and 23 forced fumbles
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In 2000, Armstrong had a standout season with the Miami Dolphins, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl and being named second-team All-Pro
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. His contributions to the game were recognized further when he was named to the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame and listed among the 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
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After retiring from professional football, Armstrong transitioned into a leadership role as the president of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)
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. His experience as a player and his understanding of the challenges faced by athletes made him a strong advocate for player rights. Today, Armstrong continues to contribute to the sports world as a sports agent, leveraging his extensive knowledge and network to help athletes navigate their careers.
For more information on Trace Armstrong, you can check out his Wikipedia page
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www.wikiwand.com
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en.wikipedia.org