Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, arguably the greatest defensive lineman of his generation, has decided to hang up his jersey following a stellar 10-year career in the NFL.
“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,” the 32-year-old Super Bowl champion said.
Mr. Donald spent his entire NFL career with the Rams, whom he led to victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI in 2021.
The Pittsburgh native finished his career with 111 sacks—ranking third in the NFL among active players—and holds the Rams’ franchise record for career sacks.
He was selected for 10 Pro Bowls and eight All-Pro first teams, and he won the award as the league’s top defensive player in 2017, 2018, and 2020.
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is just one of three players to win the top award three times, along with Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt.
“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,” Mr. Donald said.
“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,” he added. “Not many people get drafted to a team, win a world championship with that team, and retire with that team.”
Throughout his 10-year career, Mr. Donald only missed six games due to injury—all of them late in the 2022 season when the Rams were already out of playoff contention.
Mr. Donald had 543 career tackles, including 176 tackles for loss and 24 forced fumbles. He had 34 tackles and six sacks in his 11 career postseason games.
Rams Celebrate Retirement
Rams owner Stanley Kroenke described Mr. Donald in a statement as “one of the greatest players of all time” and thanked the defensive tackle for leading the team on and off the field throughout his decade-long career.“He has left his mark on generations of football fans and his accomplishments, coupled with his work ethic and passion, continue to inspire his teammates, coaches, and athletes across the globe,” Mr. Kroenke said.
Rams head coach Sean McVay also praised Mr. Donald’s legacy in a statement, saying great players in the NFL “elevate the people around them and Aaron has modeled the way for our team as long as I’ve been with the Rams.”
“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,” Mr. McVay said.
“He meant so much,” said linebacker Bobby Wagner, Mr. Donald’s teammate in 2022.
“The real thing was to watch him work, watch him work out. Not a lot of D-linemen really put in that work in the film room as well as on the field. He was able to do so much in his career, and he’s had an amazing career, and I’m excited for whatever he has next. Great human being. Amazing player. One of the greatest.”
