Antonio Armstrong was a former American football linebacker who played in the NFL and the CFL. He was known for his impressive skills and achievements on the field, as well as his tragic death in 2016. In this article, we will explore Antonio Armstrong’s net worth, career, and personal life.

Early Life and College Career

Antonio Armstrong was born on October 15, 1973, in Houston, Texas. He attended Kashmere High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. He was recruited by Texas A&M University, where he played as a linebacker for the Aggies. He earned AP All-America honors his senior year (1994) after making 62 tackles, including 17 behind the line of scrimmage. He was also a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which is given to the best linebacker in college football. He graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in agricultural economics.

Professional Career

Armstrong was drafted in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, but he fractured his ankle on the third day of training camp and was signed to the practice squad. He was released from the practice squad on October 15, 1995. On October 16, he was signed to the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad and placed on the active roster a week later. Armstrong appeared in four games that season for the Dolphins and recorded four solo tackles. He was signed by the St. Louis Rams the following year, but was released after training camp.

Armstrong then moved to the Canadian Football League, where he signed with the British Columbia Lions in 1998. He made an immediate impact as a starter for two seasons with the team. In 2000, Armstrong was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was Winnipeg’s defensive player of the year and an East Division All-star in 2000. On October 15, 2000, Armstrong suffered a fracture of his left ankle, which effectively ended his career. He attempted to return to the NFL, but was limited by his injury. He re-signed with the Bombers in September 2001 and started in the 2001 Grey Cup game, which they lost to the Calgary Stampeders. In 2002, Armstrong retired due to both a contract dispute and the physical limitations caused by his ankle injury.

Personal Life and Death

Armstrong married his college sweetheart, Dawn, and they had three children: AJ, Josh, and Kayra. After retiring from football, Armstrong became a motivational speaker and a fitness trainer. He and his wife also owned a chain of gyms called First Class Training. They were active members of their church and were described as a loving and devoted couple.

On July 29, 2016, Armstrong and his wife were shot in their bedroom by their 16-year-old son, AJ, who was charged with murder. Dawn was pronounced dead at the scene, while Antonio was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, but some reports suggest that AJ was angry about his parents’ strict rules and expectations. AJ’s defense team claimed that he was innocent and that an intruder was responsible for the killings. AJ’s first two murder trials ended in mistrials, and a third trial is pending.

Antonio Armstrong Net Worth

According to various sources, Antonio Armstrong’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This figure is based on his earnings from his football career, his business ventures, and his assets. However, his net worth may have changed after his death, as his estate may have been subject to taxes, debts, and legal fees. His net worth may also have been affected by the outcome of his son’s trial, as he may have faced civil lawsuits from his surviving family members.

Conclusion

Antonio Armstrong was a talented and successful football player who had a promising career in the NFL and the CFL. He was also a loving husband and father who had a passion for fitness and helping others. His life was cut short by a tragic and shocking act of violence that left many questions unanswered. His net worth reflects his achievements and his legacy, but it also shows the potential he had to achieve more. Antonio Armstrong will be remembered as a football star, a motivational speaker, and a victim of a senseless crime.