Sacramento Native Arik Armstead Excited To Nurture and Grow With 2022 49ers Team
Jul 26, 2022, 4:02 PM | Updated: 4:12 pm
Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
With so much change surrounding the 49ers’ quarterback situation, the defensive line has practically stayed the same. One member of that o-line, Sacramento native Arik Armstead, is excited to enter a new chapter for the organization.
Armstead, 28, has been a staple for the Bay Area franchise as a constant threat on the interior, stopping the run and the pass since being drafted in 2015. The defensive lineman has gathered 264 tackles, 71 QB hits and 28.5 sacks during his time in the NFL.
Now in year eight, the veteran Armstead is adding the role of mentor to his responsibilities, seeing the level of consistency under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch take shape over the years.
Arik Armstead enters Year 8. He’s the second-longest tenured 49er behind only Jimmie Ward, who’s entering Year 9 pic.twitter.com/bAI9rUu8hI
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) July 26, 2022
It’s definitely been a lot of consistency, which I didn’t really see my first couple years here,” Armstead said Tuesday at his introductory press conference. “The players who have been here, continuing that, and bringing the young guys into the fold and bringing them along with what we already have going on. Definitely see that consistency of them being here for this many years now.”
The veteran has also taken some of the younger players under his wing, including third-year defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, which Arik confirmed Tuesday that he spent many weeks working out with his defensive counterpart over the summer.
Arik Armstead said he’s been working with Javon Kinlaw the last 3 or 4 weeks #49ers
— Tracy Sandler (@49ersfangirl) July 26, 2022
“Me and JK have been working together for the past three or four weeks,” Armstead stated. “He’s been looking great. He’s definitely going to be a big focal point to our team…I love spending some time together and working with him this offseason. I’m definitely excited for him going into this year, being healthy, and being able to show what he can do.”
Armstead was also asked about the organization’s decision to move on from veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to second-year QB Trey Lance, appreciative of everything that number ten did, but excited for a new era in the Bay.
“I love Jimmy. Love Trey. I don’t make those decisions. If that’s the decision they decide to make, we’re all with it. Jimmy is here and it was great to see him. He’s a perfect guy to have in this situation to pass that [torch]. I’m excited to see what happens,” the defensive lineman said.
To watch the full 49ers press conference, click here.
The first day of training camp practice starts tomorrow, July 27th at 10:15 A.M local time. Tickets can be purchased on the team’s official website.
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