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Why 49ers’ Arik Armstead received key to the city from Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg

Joe Davidson
·2 min read

For all of the things Arik Armstead has received over the years — stardom through football, appreciation and acknowledgment for helping children as the San Francisco 49ers’ 2022 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year recipient — the latest bonus came in the form of a keepsake.

On Thursday night at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento, Armstead was the man of the hour, applauded for his continued commitment to aiding underserved youth through education awareness and resources in his home region. Moments before Armstead’s inaugural Kick Off For Kids 2023 Gala, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg presented the defensive lineman and 49ers captain whose football journey started at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove with a key to the city.

Said Steinberg on the stage: “Some might ask, ‘Does it open the (door) to the city treasury?’” Steinberg said. “The answer is no, but it opens the key to the city’s heart, and you have it, and we are grateful for you, man.”

Promoting education

Armstead received a standing ovation. He was joined by his family, including wife Melinda and parents Guss and Christa Armstead, 49ers owner John York and teammates Alex Barrett, Jauan Jennings and Trey Lance.

Armstead has for years promoted education for youth, insisting that kids “should have the same level of education” and “deserve the same shot at life” as those in more affluent neighborhoods.

As for the reception and turnout, Armstead said: “I’m blown away. I’m just a young kid from Sacramento. I love being from here. I’ve been so blessed in my life. I have a lot of appreciation for my family and everything I’ve been able to experience growing up here. It’s really shaped the person who I am.”

San Francisco 49ers’ Arik Armstead speaks to media on the red carpet at the Armstead Academic Project’s Kick Off For Kids Gala on Thursday at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
San Francisco 49ers’ Arik Armstead speaks to media on the red carpet at the Armstead Academic Project’s Kick Off For Kids Gala on Thursday at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.

Armstead Academic Project

Armstead’s charity event benefits The Armstead Academic Project, which, the project says, ensures “education equity for the next generation.” The VIP red carpet event included a dinner, auction and live entertainment from rapper and record producer Doug E. Fresh.

The Armstead Academic Project was founded by Armstead and his wife in 2019 and supports young students throughout the Sacramento and Bay Area regions.

The Armstead Academic Project on June 17 will host its “Stay Hungry” football camp at Sacramento State, a free camp for 500 kids.

From left, Trey Lance, Jauan Jennings, John York, Arik Armstead and Alex Barrett, of the San Francisco 49ers, share a light moment while standing on the red carpet at the Armstead Academic Project’s Kick Off For Kids Gala on Thursday at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.
From left, Trey Lance, Jauan Jennings, John York, Arik Armstead and Alex Barrett, of the San Francisco 49ers, share a light moment while standing on the red carpet at the Armstead Academic Project’s Kick Off For Kids Gala on Thursday at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel.