Rams linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong came to St. Louis as most undrafted free agents come into the NFL: with relatively low expectations. But in his second year here, the former University of Miami standout has enjoyed great success on the field and in the community.
Armstrong recently shared about his transition from Florida to Missouri, his work with Shriners Hospitals for Children, and a Halloween party with fellow Ram Rodney McLeod.
How’ve you liked St. Louis so far?
It’s only my second year here, but it’s been pretty good so far. I’m from Miami, so coming from there to here has been a little different, but I’ve enjoyed it. Great town.
Any favorite spots in town?
I’m actually on my way to Sweetie Pie’s right now. I get the same thing every time: fried fish, mac and cheese, and yams—but you can’t go wrong with anything you get there.
You’re sponsoring a ticket-donation program called Ray-Ray’s Boom Squad. What’s the program's purpose?
To help out some deserving people who’ve never been to a big football game, let alone a Rams game, who might not be able to afford something like that. We give [tickets] to a few local organizations, like Shriners [Hospitals for Children], to each home game this year. I always like helping out kids. “Boom Squad” just comes from my nickname, “Boom King.”
Where does that nickname come from?
It came from [fellow Miami Hurricane, the late] Sean Taylor. They used to call him “Boom King” because of how hard he hit and how hard he played. I always modeled myself after him when I played, so I guess his nickname stuck with me when I was in Miami, too.
What other work are you doing in the community?
I’m hosting a Halloween party with a teammate of mine, [Rodney] McLeod. We’re calling it Ray-Ray and Rodney’s Halloween Huddle. It’ll be about 20 or so patients from Shriners and their families, just a chance to hang out with them and have some fun.
Do you have any costumes in mind?
[He laughs.] I don’t know just yet. I’m thinking maybe Batman.
You seem to enjoy working with children, especially the ones at Shriners. Are there any other projects you’re undertaking with them?
I do enjoy it. I’ve always wanted to help people who can’t really do much themselves right now, kids especially. I just had a little girl myself about three weeks ago, so it really hits home for me, and I want to help out. In November I’m co-hosting the opening of a David Yurman jewelry boutique at [Plaza] Frontenac. A portion of every sale that night will go right to Shriner’s. Hopefully we get a good turnout that night.
