Dorance Armstrong Jr. (born June 10, 1997) is an American professional football defensive end for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft. Armstrong spent six seasons with the Cowboys before signing with Washington in March 2024. Over his NFL career spanning 2018 through 2025, Armstrong has appeared in over 90 games with starts in multiple seasons, accumulating 232 tackles, 34 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 5 pass deflections, and 1 touchdown.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. Bio
Dorance Armstrong Jr. is a professional American football defensive end who currently plays for the Washington Commanders in the NFL. Born in Houston, Texas, Armstrong developed his football skills at North Shore Senior High School before advancing to play at the University of Kansas. The Dallas Cowboys selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft, and he developed into a consistent performer over six seasons in Dallas. In March 2024, Armstrong signed with the Washington Commanders, reuniting with former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who became Washington’s head coach. His career highlights include First-team All-Big 12 honors at Kansas and multiple seasons with at least 5 sacks in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Dorance Armstrong Jr. was born on June 10, 1997, in Houston, Texas. He attended North Shore Senior High School, part of the Galena Park Independent School District in Houston. During his high school career, Armstrong played defensive end and also participated in basketball. As a junior, he earned second-team All-District honors. As a senior, he received first-team All-District recognition, establishing himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the Houston area.
Path to American Football
Armstrong was rated as a 3-star defensive end recruit coming out of high school. He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Kansas, choosing the Jayhawks over offers from several major programs including California, Indiana, Iowa State, Michigan State, Purdue, and Texas Tech, among others. His decision to attend Kansas marked the beginning of his development into an NFL prospect.
As a freshman at Kansas in 2015, Armstrong appeared in all 12 games and started the final five contests at defensive end. He registered 23 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks (second on the team), and 4 passes defensed (second on the team). His performance as a true freshman demonstrated his ability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level.
As a sophomore in 2016, Armstrong experienced a breakout season as the starter at left defensive end. He led the team and ranked second in the Big 12 Conference with 10 sacks, the most by a Kansas player since 2008. He posted 56 tackles (fifth on the team), 20 tackles for loss (fifth in school history), 5 quarterback hurries, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. He had a career-high 11 tackles (3 for loss), 2 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery against the University of Texas. His junior season saw his role in the defense change and his production regress slightly, with 63 total tackles (third on the team), 9 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 4 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. On January 3, 2018, he announced that he would forgo his senior year to enter the 2018 NFL draft. He finished his college career with 142 tackles and 15.5 sacks.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. Career
Dallas Cowboys (2018–2023)
Armstrong was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (116th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft. He made his first career start on October 14, 2018, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He recorded his first career sack on November 5 against the Tennessee Titans, a sack he split with Caraun Reid. As a 21-year-old rookie, he finished the season with 13 tackles (8 solo) and a half of a sack while playing in 15 of the Cowboys’ 16 games with one start.
In 2019, Armstrong appeared in 15 games with no starts. He tallied 16 tackles, 2 sacks, 9 quarterback pressures, one forced fumble, and 2 special teams tackles. He recorded the first full sack of his career against the Green Bay Packers and had his first career forced fumble against the New York Giants. In 2020, he appeared in 16 games with 2 starts, registering 33 tackles (one for loss), 9 quarterback pressures, 2 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries, and 3 special teams tackles.
In 2021, Armstrong appeared in 13 games with five starts, collecting 37 tackles, 5 sacks (third on the team), 22 quarterback pressures (fourth on the team), 2 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery that he returned 37 yards for a touchdown. He missed 4 games with a high ankle sprain injury. In Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers, he started in place of defensive end Randy Gregory, who was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. In Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, he started in place of an injured Gregory, making 3 tackles, one sack, 3 quarterback hurries, and one block punt.
On March 17, 2022, Armstrong signed a two-year contract extension with the Cowboys. He appeared in 17 games with five starts, registering 28 tackles (2 for loss), 8.5 sacks (second on the team), 25 quarterback pressures (fourth on the team), 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 blocked kicks. He continued to replace Gregory in the starting lineup at right defensive end. He had 2 sacks against the Cincinnati Bengals. He blocked a field goal attempt against the Giants and a punt against the Los Angeles Rams, becoming the sixth player in franchise history to block multiple punts in his career. In 2023, he appeared in all 17 games (one start), tallying 28 tackles (7 for loss), 7.5 sacks (second on the team), and 12 quarterback pressures. He had 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks in the season opener against the Giants.
Washington Commanders Era (2024–Present)
On March 14, 2024, Armstrong signed a three-year contract with a maximum value of $45 million with the Washington Commanders. He reunited with head coach Dan Quinn, who was his defensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys and personally called Armstrong to join him in Washington. In his first season with the Commanders in 2024, Armstrong appeared in 16 games, recording 39 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and one pass deflection.
In 2025, Armstrong made seven appearances (five starts) for the Commanders, recording 5.5 sacks and 24 combined tackles. He was placed on injured reserve due to a season-ending knee injury on October 21, 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Armstrong has developed into a reliable NFL defensive end with versatility to play multiple techniques along the defensive line. His greatest strength is his pass-rush ability, using a combination of speed, power, and hand technique to defeat offensive linemen. He has shown consistent improvement year over year, with his best statistical season coming in 2022 when he recorded 8.5 sacks while ranking second on his team. His ability to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers has made him a valuable piece for both the Cowboys and Commanders defenses.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Armstrong has achieved several notable milestones. His most productive college season came in 2016 when he led the Big 12 with 10 sacks at Kansas. He earned First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2016 and Second-team All-Big 12 recognition in 2017. In the NFL, his most productive season came in 2022 with 8.5 sacks. He also returned a fumble recovery 37 yards for a touchdown in 2021. With the Cowboys, he became the sixth player in franchise history to block multiple punts in a career.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. Career Highlights
Armstrong has built a solid NFL career with consistent production across multiple seasons. His career statistics include 232 tackles, 34 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 5 pass deflections, and 1 touchdown over his NFL career from 2018 through 2025.
College Career Highlights
At Kansas from 2015 to 2017, Armstrong earned First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2016 after leading the team and ranking second in the conference with 10 sacks. His most productive season came as a sophomore when he recorded 10 sacks, the most by a Kansas player since 2008. He finished his college career with 142 tackles and 15.5 sacks.
Professional Career Highlights
Armstrong’s best NFL season came in 2022 with the Cowboys, when he recorded 8.5 sacks while appearing in 17 games with five starts. He added 2 sacks against the Cincinnati Bengals that season. His 2023 season saw him record 7.5 sacks in all 17 games. In 2021, he returned a fumble recovery 37 yards for a touchdown against Washington. In 2024 with the Commanders, he recorded 5 sacks in 16 games.
2025 Season Performance
Armstrong began the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders looking to build on his career momentum. He made seven appearances with five starts, recording 5.5 sacks and 24 combined tackles before the season took an unfortunate turn. On October 21, 2025, Armstrong was placed on injured reserve due to a season-ending knee injury, ending his campaign prematurely. The injury marked a setback for the defensive end, who had been a consistent performer throughout his NFL career. Despite the injury, Armstrong’s track record demonstrates his ability to contribute at a high level when healthy. His career trajectory shows consistent improvement from his early years with the Cowboys through his transition to Washington. Armstrong will look to return to full health and continue his professional football career with the Commanders in future seasons.