Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donalds announced retirement
Los Angeles Rams’ standout defensive tackle, Aaron Donald, is retiring at the age of 32, leaving behind a legacy as one of the NFL’s most distinguished and formidable defensive players in history.
His retirement announcement, made via social media on Friday, was met with relief by quarterbacks across the league.
“For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level,” Donald wrote. “I’m thankful for the people I’ve met along the way, the relationships I’ve built and the things I’ve accomplished with my teammates and individually.”
Donald joins an elite group as only the third player in NFL history to clinch the Defensive Player of the Year title three times.
With 111 sacks and a Super Bowl championship in the 2021 season, his departure marks the end of a remarkable career. Throughout his tenure, he consistently achieved double-digit sacks in six seasons, never falling below eight sacks per campaign.
His dominance was further exemplified by seven consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections from 2015 to ’21, with an eighth earned after the 2023 season.
Widely recognized for his prowess, he was an obvious choice for the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, receiving unanimous approval alongside five others.
Drafted by the Rams in 2014 as the 13th overall pick from Pitt, Donald swiftly made his mark by earning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
“Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically – 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be. I respected this game like no other and I’m blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me,” Donald’s statement said. “Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted.”
Despite entertaining retirement thoughts during contract negotiations with the Rams in 2022, Donald opted for a contract restructure worth $95 million.
However, his decision to retire now appears to be driven by a desire to prioritize family time, as stated in his Friday announcement.
“As I turn my focus to a new chapter, I don’t know what the future holds, but I am excited about the off the field possibilities. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric and Aali,” he wrote. “The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side, and I can’t wait to watch them live out their dreams just as they watched me live out mine.”
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Donald spent his initial NFL years in St. Louis before the Rams’ relocation to Los Angeles after the 2015 season.
He expressed gratitude to both cities in his retirement statement, extending thanks to team owner Stan Kroenke and the entire Rams organization for their support
“I appreciate everyone on the field, off the field and behind the scenes that made my job smooth,” Donald wrote. “I know I’m going to miss my teammates and the camaraderie we had in the building, as well as the coaches who will continue to have a lasting impact on me.”
Rams head coach Sean McVay lauded Donald as a pivotal figure within the team, emphasizing his significant impact.
“The great players in our league elevate the people around them and Aaron has modeled the way for our team as long as I’ve been with the Rams,” McVay said. “He’s an elite competitor, someone who leads by example in a way that’s authentic to him, and an exceptional teammate who inspires everyone around him to be the best version of themselves. As great of a player he is, he’s an even better person. He is truly one of one and epitomizes everything that’s right about sports.”
