Aaron Donald, a three-time NFL defensive player of the year, is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams, the only professional team he has played for.
Key facts
- Aaron Donald is returning from retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams.
- He was a three-time defensive player of the year and an eight-time first team All-Pro during 10 seasons with the Rams.
- Donald, 35, first announced his retirement in March 2024 at the age of 32.
- The Rams were already considered Super Bowl favorites.
- He won a Super Bowl with the Rams at the end of the 2021 season.
Aaron Donald, described by the Guardian as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, is coming out of retirement to rejoin his only professional team, the Los Angeles Rams. The BBC also reported that Donald, one of the NFL’s greatest defensive players, has returned from retirement to link back up with his former side.
The Rams drafted Donald with the 13th overall pick in 2014, and he went on to spend 10 seasons with the franchise. During that time he was named defensive player of the year three times and selected as a first team All-Pro on eight occasions, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s premier defensive talents.
Donald, a 10-time Pro Bowler with the Rams, capped his career by winning a Super Bowl with Los Angeles at the end of the 2021 season. He then announced his retirement in March 2024 at the age of 32.
Now 35, Donald is aiming to win a second Super Bowl in Los Angeles, according to the Guardian. His return adds further strength to a Rams roster that was already regarded as the favorite to win the championship.
The move reunites one of the most decorated defensive players of his generation with the team that drafted and developed him, potentially bolstering an already formidable squad as it pursues another title.
Why it matters
Donald's return brings one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history back to a team already tipped to win the Super Bowl, potentially reshaping the championship picture. His comeback is a notable storyline for fans and rivals alike as the season approaches.
Frequently asked questions
How long did Aaron Donald play for the Rams?
Donald spent 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams after being drafted with the 13th overall pick in 2014.
When did Aaron Donald retire?
He announced his retirement in March 2024 at the age of 32.
What honors did Aaron Donald win during his career?
He was a three-time defensive player of the year, an eight-time first team All-Pro, a 10-time Pro Bowler, and a Super Bowl winner with the Rams after the 2021 season.