UAPB Names Terron Armstead First-Ever Golden Lions Athletics Ambassador

Five-time Pro Bowler returns to lead the next generation of HBCU talent

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:08am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with their jersey number partially visible, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of UAPB's green and gold uniforms.UAPB's new Golden Lions Athletics Ambassador Terron Armstead brings his NFL pedigree and HBCU roots back to Pine Bluff to inspire the next generation of student-athletes.Pine Bluff Today

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has named former NFL offensive tackle Terron Armstead as the first-ever Golden Lion Athletics Ambassador. Armstead, a two-sport standout at UAPB who went on to a decorated 12-year NFL career, will now serve as a program ambassador to help recruit and mentor the next wave of Golden Lions athletes.

Why it matters

Armstead's appointment as the first Golden Lion Athletics Ambassador is a significant move for UAPB, as it formalizes the connection between the university's storied athletic program and its most accomplished alumni. As more HBCU athletic departments look to leverage their high-profile alumni, Armstead's role will serve as a model for how these institutions can better engage with and benefit from their star players.

The details

During his college career at UAPB, Armstead excelled in both football and track and field, winning SWAC championships in both sports. He was a dominant offensive tackle and also an elite shot putter, discus thrower, and hammer thrower. After being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 3rd round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Armstead went on to make 5 Pro Bowls and earn All-Pro honors as one of the league's premier left tackles, protecting Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees. Armstead finished his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins before retiring due to injuries.

  • Armstead was named UAPB's first-ever Golden Lion Athletics Ambassador on March 30, 2026.
  • Armstead played at UAPB from 2009 to 2012, winning SWAC championships in both football and track and field.
  • The New Orleans Saints selected Armstead in the 3rd round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

The players

Terron Armstead

A former NFL offensive tackle who played 12 seasons in the league, primarily with the New Orleans Saints. Armstead is a five-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection who is regarded as one of the best offensive linemen of his generation. He was a two-sport standout at UAPB, winning SWAC championships in both football and track and field.

UAPB Golden Lions Athletics

The athletic department of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) that competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

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What they’re saying

“Terron Armstead is one of the most decorated players to ever come out of an HBCU. His return as our first-ever Golden Lion Athletics Ambassador is a historic moment for our program.”

— UAPB Athletics

What’s next

Armstead will work closely with UAPB's athletic department to help recruit top high school prospects, mentor current student-athletes, and promote the university's athletic programs. His first major event as ambassador will be the Golden Lions' annual spring football game on April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Armstead's appointment as UAPB's first Golden Lion Athletics Ambassador represents a growing trend of HBCU athletic departments leveraging their most accomplished alumni to help drive recruitment, build institutional pride, and inspire the next generation of student-athletes. As HBCU sports continue to gain national prominence, programs like UAPB are finding innovative ways to engage with their star alumni.