arik armstead

Arik Armstead: From NFL Draft Stage to the Sidelines with Cam Heyward

Arik Armstead, the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman, is making headlines as he takes on a prominent role during the 2025 NFL Draft. From announcing the Jaguars' first-round pick to joining Cam Heyward's live podcast, Armstead is set to be a key figure in this year's draft coverage. This article dives into Armstead's involvement, his background, and what this all means for NFL fans.

Recent Updates: Armstead's Draft Day Double Duty

Arik Armstead is pulling double duty during the 2025 NFL Draft. Verified news reports confirm he will be onstage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to announce the Jacksonville Jaguars' first-round selection. Adding to his busy schedule, Armstead will also be joining Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward for a live taping of Heyward’s podcast, "Not Just Football."

Heyward will host a live episode of his podcast from the NFL Draft with Armstead. The live show is scheduled for Thursday, April 24th, starting at 2 p.m. ET. Fans can even attend the live event at The Terrace at Marina Circle, with tickets available for purchase.

Contextual Background: Armstead's Journey to the NFL

Arik Armstead's path to the NFL is rooted in his college career at the University of Oregon. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Armstead quickly established himself as a formidable defensive lineman. He spent nine seasons with the 49ers, becoming a cornerstone of their defense and a respected leader in the locker room.

In March 2024, Armstead signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking a new chapter in his NFL career. The move sees him return to the team managed by Trent Baalke, the general manager who initially drafted him into the NFL.

Off the field, Armstead is known for his commitment to community service. He was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2024, recognizing his efforts to improve literacy among young people. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award is the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing NFL players who have exhibited excellence on the field and whose passion to impact lives extends beyond. Children from Guardian Catholic surprised him with his nomination news during a Literacy Locker Room event.

Immediate Effects: Increased Visibility and Fan Engagement

Armstead's involvement in the NFL Draft brings increased visibility to both him and his new team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. His appearance alongside Roger Goodell to announce the team's first-round pick will undoubtedly generate buzz and excitement among Jaguars fans.

His participation in Cam Heyward's live podcast offers fans a unique opportunity to hear his insights on the draft and his perspectives on the upcoming NFL season. Heyward's "Not Just Football" podcast is popular for its in-depth analysis and engaging interviews, providing a platform for Armstead to connect with a wider audience.

Cam Heyward has recorded over 100 episodes with co-host and best friend of 20 years, Hayden Walsh. They'll go live at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 24 to cover Day 1 of the draft, which starts at 8.

Future Outlook: Armstead's Impact on the Jaguars and Beyond

Looking ahead, Arik Armstead is expected to make a significant impact on the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense. His experience, leadership, and skill set will be valuable assets as the team aims to compete in the AFC South.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Armstead's continued involvement in community initiatives will further solidify his legacy as a player who makes a difference both on and off the field. His participation in events like the NFL Draft and podcasts like "Not Just Football" will help to amplify his message and inspire others to get involved in their communities.

The NFL Draft: A Look Back at First-Round Trades

The NFL Draft is not just about selecting the best college players; it's also a strategic game of trades and negotiations. The draft provides a cinematic look at draft day for an NFL general manager. In the movie, the main character, Cleveland GM Sonny Weaver Jr., orchestrated a flurry of first-round trades that included the No.

Teams often trade up or down in the draft order to acquire specific players or accumulate more draft picks. These trades can have a significant impact on the future of a franchise, shaping their roster and setting the stage for years to come.

Other Draft Day Storylines to Watch

While Arik Armstead's involvement is a highlight of the 2025 NFL Draft, there are several other storylines to keep an eye on:

• Oregon Players in the Draft: After Lanning's first season at Oregon in 2022, the Ducks tied the program record with six players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, including No. 17 overall pick Christian Gonzalez, a cornerback who went to the New England Patriots.

• Edge Rusher Prospects: Players like Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart are generating buzz as potential first-round picks. Stewart is a freak athlete for his size, but the main knock against him is his lackluster production, as he had just 4.5 sacks in three years at A&M. Granted, he played in a system where sacks were not the be all and end all, but NFL teams will definitely want to see his sack totals rise regardless.

• Quarterback Carousel: As always, the quarterback position will be a major focus of the draft. Teams in need of a franchise quarterback may be willing to trade up to secure their guy.

Armstead's Legacy: More Than Just Football

Arik Armstead's career exemplifies the idea that athletes can be more than just football players. His commitment to community service, his leadership on and off the field, and his willingness to engage with fans make him a role model for aspiring athletes.

His involvement in the 2025 NFL Draft is a testament to his impact on the game and his desire to give back to the community. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Jacksonville Jaguars, fans can expect to see him continue to make a difference both on and off the field.

Conclusion: A Draft Day to Remember

The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a memorable event, with Arik Armstead playing a central role. From announcing the Jaguars' first-round pick to joining Cam Heyward's live podcast, Armstead will be a prominent voice throughout the draft proceedings. His involvement highlights the importance of community engagement and the impact that athletes can have beyond the game. As fans tune in to watch the draft unfold, they can look forward to hearing Armstead's insights and witnessing the beginning of a new era for the Jacksonville Jaguars.