Mental Health Awareness Feature: Arik Armstead

As a renowned NFL defensive lineman, CorePower Yoga Mental Health Ambassador Arik Armstead shares his inspirational journey with mental health. Arik is known for his prowess on the field, his unwavering commitment to community upliftment, and his dedication to his family as a “proud girl dad.” He is passionate about destigmatizing mental health, especially among athletes and men in particular.

Throughout Mental Health month, Arik will work with CorePower to spread awareness about mental health and encourage people to use yoga as a resource. In partnership with CorePower Yoga, from 5/20 - 5/29, a portion of proceeds from all new Intro Month Memberships, will benefit Arik’s nonprofit, the Armstead Academic Project.

Tell us a bit about you and your background. What’s your story?

I grew up in Elk Grove, California, with my three siblings. It was a diverse mix of rural, urban, and suburban influences. Sports were a huge part of my childhood, and they really shaped who I am today. Reading and paying attention in class were tough for me at first and I struggled academically, but with my mom's support, I overcame those challenges. My dad, who was an NBA trainer, helped me pursue my passion for sports, especially football. Sports taught me valuable life skills like focus and discipline, that I was able to channel into my academic challenges and push forward. I worked hard and graduated from high school early to advance my football career. I went on to attend the University of Oregon on a football scholarship, where I also played basketball. Graduating with a degree in general social science was important to me because I wanted to make a difference beyond the field. I've been dedicated to giving back to my community. It's been quite a journey, but I'm grateful for every step of it.

Growing up, sports were always a huge part of my life. I was drawn to the competition, and the opportunity to push myself to be better every day. Football, in particular, captivated me because of its intensity and physicality. It allowed me to channel my energy and passion into something productive. Plus, the teamwork and discipline required in football resonated with me deeply. It's not just about individual performance; it's about working together towards a common goal. That sense of unity and purpose is what ultimately drew me to football and continues to fuel my love for the game.

What have been the biggest mental health struggles you’ve faced in your life? How did you cope?

My biggest mental health struggles have been dealing with physical injuries. They take a physical and mental toll. When I suffered my worst physical injury to date at the end of my last regular season with the 49ers – as we were heading into the playoffs – I was crushed. It’s important to stay grounded in yourself and not lose yourself. Remember that it is temporary and you can get back to feeling like yourself. It’s vital to take time to understand your emotions, recognize when you need support, and don't hesitate to seek help.

How are yoga and mindfulness a supportive part of your wellness routine?

Yoga and mindfulness play a crucial role in my wellness routine as a professional athlete. They help me maintain flexibility, prevent injuries, and improve my overall physical performance on the field. Beyond the physical benefits, practicing yoga and mindfulness also enhances my mental resilience, focus, and stress management skills. It allows me to stay grounded, centered, and fully present in the moment, which is essential for peak performance during games and throughout the season. Incorporating these practices into my routine has been transformative for both my physical and mental well-being.

I love incorporating CorePower Yoga classes into my routine. My favorite CorePower format is probably the Yoga Sculpt class. It's a dynamic blend of traditional yoga poses with high-intensity interval training and strength exercises. I love how it challenges both my body and mind, helping me build strength, endurance, and flexibility while also improving my mental focus and concentration. Plus, the added element of resistance training really complements my football training regimen, helping me stay in top shape and ready to perform at my best on the field.

We are so excited to partner with you for our Mental Health campaign this year. Why is mental health advocacy important to you? What are you hoping to achieve in this partnership with CorePower Yoga?

I am thrilled to be partnering with CorePower Yoga for this year's Mental Health campaign. My aim in this partnership is to increase awareness about mental health, and help destigmatize the topic especially among athletes and men in particular, as well as the wider community. Together, we can aim to encourage individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. Through advocating practices such as yoga and mindfulness, I hope to empower people to actively improve their mental health and ultimately find greater joy and fulfillment in life.

Mental health is just as vital as physical fitness. Maintaining a strong mental game helps me stay focused, resilient, and perform at my best on and off the field. It's essential for overall well-being and optimal performance. I want to share that with others and be a source of hope and inspiration.

What is the key message about mental health you want to get across to our community?

The key is to prioritize self-awareness and self-care. Take time to understand your emotions, recognize when you need support, and don't hesitate to seek help from professionals or teammates. In football, a male-dominated sport, mental health can be somewhat of a taboo subject. I want to normalize sharing emotions and asking for help. The strongest men are physically AND emotionally resilient! Building a strong support system and implementing healthy coping mechanisms can make a world of difference both on and off the field. I want to emphasize to everyone that mental health is an individual journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time and do what’s right for you.

Can you share about your recent move to the Jaguars after spending the first 9 years of your NFL career with the 49ers? What were your biggest lessons learned during your time with the Niners and what are you looking forward to in this new chapter?

For one-third of my life, I’ve been a Niner. I appreciate every moment of my time there. I learned a lot about myself in my 9 years with the 49ers, both as a player and as a person. Through all the ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. It’s given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people who have had a huge impact on my life. I’m looking forward to this new chapter of my career, expanding my network to learn and grow.

You’ve been nominated four consecutive years for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which is awarded to players who “excel on the field and demonstrate a passion for creating a lasting positive impact beyond the game in their communities.” How does it feel to be nominated for such a prestigious award? What does it mean to you?

I'm deeply humbled and find great significance in this recognition. Being acknowledged not just for my athletic achievements, but also for my contributions to the community, is always an honor. This nomination holds profound significance for me as it validates the value of giving back and leveraging my platform for the betterment of others. It reinforces the responsibility I carry as an athlete to inspire and effect positive change beyond the confines of the sport. I am genuinely thankful for this recognition, and it fuels my determination to persist in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me.

Tell us about your non-profit, the Armstead Academic Project. What services do you offer? What is the origin story behind it?

AAP was founded by myself and my wife Mindy where AAP serves youth in both Sacramento and the Bay Area of California. The inspiration behind the project stems from the belief that a student's potential should not be limited by their zip code. We are dedicated to providing students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, with the necessary resources to excel academically and reach their full potential. Our mission is to ensure that every student has access to positive environments, tools, and academic support essential for their success. These services include access to Story Times, After School + in school exploration, college and career tips and lastly, community wellness support.