Cardinals To Honor Armstrong's Jersey
October 25, 2000 | Football
Oct. 25, 2000
LOUISVILLE, KY. -- The University of Louisville will honor the jersey of former Cardinal offensive lineman and NFL All-Pro Bruce Armstrong in a halftime ceremony during U of L's contest with Tulane this Saturday. Kickoff time is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. ET.
Armstrong is expected to be in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium for the presentation as his New England Patriots have their bye weekend.
A four-year letterwinner for the Cardinals from 1983-86, Armstrong opened his career as a tight end making 33 receptions in his first two seasons at U of L.
With the hiring of Howard Schnellenberger, Armstrong was moved to offensive tackle where he anchored the Cardinal line for the next two seasons, not allowing a sack over his final 18 games as a collegian. Armstrong appeared in the 1986 Senior Bowl and was named U of L's most outstanding lineman following his senior season.
Armstrong was drafted with the 23rd pick of the first round by the New England Patriots in 1987 to begin an association that continues today.
A seven-time Pro Bowl honoree, Armstrong has started 204 games for the Patriots and is three starts shy of becoming the franchise's all-time leader in that category passing Julius Adams.
Armstrong has started 204 of a possible 212 non-strike games (including the last 110 consecutive) for the Patriots. The 6-4, 295-pound tackle missed eight contests in 1992 after suffering what was feared to be a career-ending knee injury against the Buffalo Bills.
Armstrong's jersey joins the uniforms of former Cardinal greats Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green, Frank Minnifield, Doug Buffone, Tom Jackson, Chris Redman and Otto Knop along the northwest facade of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. The eight jerseys join the uniform of former Cardinal quarterback Johnny Unitas on the facade.
Unitas' accomplishments at U of L and in the NFL warranted his No. 16 be retired by the University and unavailable for future Cardinals to wear.
