Arik Armstead

Biography

Arik Armstead is a renowned NFL player and an Operating Advisor at Bessemer Venture Partners. On the field, he is a force to be reckoned with and was recently named the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Off the field, Arik inspires entrepreneurs as a performance coach, motivational speaker and mental resilience trainer for leadership teams.

In 2015, Arik was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. His contributions to the team's defensive line were instrumental in their journey to the 2020 and 2024 Super Bowl. Arik currently plays defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Arik has been recognized for his outstanding commitment to community service and is dedicated to promoting unity and giving back to the local community.

In 2019, he and his wife Dr. Mindy Armstead established the Armstead Academic Project (AAP), an initiative that ensures every student, regardless of their socioeconomic status, has direct access to the resources they need to thrive, unlock their potential and achieve their goals.

Arik’s latest achievement, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the league's most prestigious honor, recognizing NFL players who have exhibited excellence on the field and whose passion to impact lives extends beyond the game. Additionally, Arik has been the recipient of the Perry/Yonamine Unity Award, NFLPA Community MVP, CBS Bay Area Jefferson Award, the Yours Humanly 2023 Leading with Heart Award and the Boost Collaborative Conference's Excellence in Leadership Award. Over his career, Armstead has directly impacted over 516,500 youth and contributed more than $2 million.

Arik's philanthropic endeavors extend to advocating for educational equity in the Sacramento region and Bay Area. He passionately uses his platform and resources to support initiatives that ensure all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to quality education opportunities.