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Arik Armstead has said goodbye to the 49ers’ faithful after nine seasons with the team.
The 30-year-old defensive tackle, who was cut by the 49ers on Wednesday, allegedly reached a $31 million three-year contract agreement on Thursday with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Armstead became the 49ers’ longest-tenured player when San Francisco selected him in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft (with pick No. 17 overall). However, he was released earlier this week.
The 30-year-old said goodbye to 49ers supporters and the team on Friday on X, a platform that was formerly known as Twitter.
“I’m grateful. I’ve been a Niner for a third of my life, Armstead stated on X. “A plump young child from Sacramento grew up and lived in the Bay Area as a man. I’m grateful for every second I’ve spent here. The highs and lows have all shaped who I am now. My life has been greatly impacted by the several incredible people I have met. I am very appreciative that God spent nine years placing me exactly where I needed to be.
“To my comrades, I would want to express my gratitude for the unbreakable relationships we formed. I will always treasure the most.
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“From the head coach to the facilities crew, I would like to thank all of the staff. Places are made special by people, not by buildings.
“To the best coach I’ve ever had, thank you. My life has been changed by you, Kris Kocurek.
Not to mention, NINER FAITHFUL, I want to thank you for all of your encouragement, enthusiasm, support, and inspiration. I experienced everything.
49ers general manager John Lynch thanked the four-time team captain for his accomplishments over almost ten years in a statement posted hours before Armstead’s post.
In his statement, Lynch stated, “Arik has been an instrumental part of this organization on and off the field since he arrived in 2015.” He was a cornerstone of our defense and, by setting a good example and being professional, he had a beneficial impact on our team. Apart from his outstanding performance on the field, Arik never wavered in his commitment to helping the young people in the Sacramento area and the Bay Area.
He truly makes a difference in our neighborhood and serves as an inspiration to everyone in his vicinity. We thank Arik for setting the bar high for our team the past nine seasons and will always consider him a treasured member of the 49ers family. We send our best wishes to Arik, his spouse Mindy, and their kids.
Armstead played in 116 games (97 starts) for the 49ers during his career, recording 302 tackles, 33.5 sacks, six passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
