‘Even better person than he is a player’: 49ers’ Armstead receives high praise from his former Pleasant Grove coach
Feb 8, 2024, 7:09 AM
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 05: Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers speaks to the media during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium on February 05, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Arik Armstead is playing in the Super Bowl for the second time in his career.
Joe Cattolico, Armstead’s former coach at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, had high praise for the San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman.
“Arik’s the best football player I ever coached,” Cattolico said.
He added that Armstead was very good at a young age, and it was obvious that he had the combination of skills needed to make it to the National Football League.
Cattolico doesn’t believe Armstead’s greatness isn’t just confined to the field.
“He’s an even better human being and person than he is a football player,” Cattolico said. He just does so much to support others and help make the world around him a better place.”
Arik Armstead is a Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist, an award meant to honor players who make exemplary efforts in their community.
His former coach texted him and the NFC Championship Game, congratulating him and wishing him good luck in the Super Bowl.
Sunday’s game against the Chiefs gives Armstead a great opportunity to avenge the loss to Kansas City in Super Bowl LIV.
“I think that would mean a lot to him in his career. I don’t think he’s somebody who looks at his career as being measured by those sorts of things, but the world around him does,” Cattolico said. “[A 49er win] would be a great reward and vindication for all of his efforts.”
This story was first published by our partner KCRA. Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
