Aaron Donald: Los Angeles Rams star and former Super Bowl champion announces retirement from NFL
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald announces his retirement from the NFL after winning one Super Bowl and earning eight All-Pro selections during his 10 season career with the team; widely considered one of the great defensive players in league history
After ten seasons, defensive tackle Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams has announced his retirement from the NFL.
After winning one Super Bowl ring and establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in league history, he ends his career.
In addition to being selected to the Pro Bowl ten times and an eight-time All-Pro, Donald leaves the game having earned three Defensive Player of the Year titles in 2017, 2018, and 2020.
The 32-year-old announced his retirement on social media, saying he has devoted his entire being—”mentally and physically” to the game.
“I have had the good fortune to compete at the greatest level in football for ten years. In a statement, Donald stated, “I’m grateful for the people I’ve met along the journey, the connections I’ve made, and the accomplishments I’ve made both individually and alongside my teammates.
“I want to express my gratitude to St. Louis for their love and support throughout my eight years as a Los Angeles Ram and my first two years in the league as a St. Louis Ram. I also want to thank Los Angeles for all of its love and support over my career. My family and I now call California home, and you all helped to make it even more memorable.
“I would like to thank Mr Kroenke and his family for building an organization that I was blessed to be part of.”
After being selected by the Rams with the 13th overall choice in the 2014 draft out of Pittsburgh, Donald went on to earn 111 sacks for the team.
In 2018, he had a career year as he led the league in sacks (20.5) and led the Rams to Super Bowl LIII, where the New England Patriots defeated them.
Four years later, Donald would play a pivotal part in helping the Rams secure a trip back to the Super Bowl, where he successfully pressured Joe Burrow to seal his team’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
“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,” he said. in what he said. “I have a unique appreciation for this game, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to wrap up my NFL career with the team that picked me. Few people are drafted by a team, play for that team until they retire, and win a world championship. I refuse to take that for granted, and I never will.
“I don’t know what the future holds as I shift my attention to a new chapter, but I’m enthusiastic about the opportunities off the field. I’m excited to spend more time with my children, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric, and Aali, as well as my wife, Erica. Being able to play this game with kids beside me was the biggest reward, and I can’t wait to watch them fulfill their aspirations in the same way that they seen me fulfilling mine.”
After the Rams’ Super Bowl victory, Donald has been repeatedly linked to retirement; yet, he now leaves as an undeniable future Hall of Famer.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke stated in a statement, “We are so grateful for Aaron’s dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past ten years.”
“He has inspired countless football fans throughout the world with his achievements, work ethic, and passion. He has left his mark on a generation of football fans.” Being present for one of the greatest athletes of all time is an honor, and we are happy that Aaron Donald will always be a part of our team of NFL history while playing for the Rams.
