Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has officially announced his retirement, revealing the decision on Friday. Taking to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Donald made his declaration to step away from the game.
“Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically – 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best football player I could be,” he said in his announcement.
The 32-year-old Donald dedicated his entire 10-year professional career to the Rams, initially in St. Louis before transitioning with the franchise to Los Angeles.
He exits the sport with an unparalleled resume boasting remarkable achievements. Donald earned the honor of being selected to the Pro Bowl 10 times, securing eight first-team All-Pro nods, clinching the Defensive Player of the Year title three times, and being crowned the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014. Additionally, he celebrated a Super Bowl victory with the Rams in 2021.
Accumulating impressive statistics, Donald concludes his career with 111 sacks, 543 tackles, 176 tackles for loss, and 260 quarterback hits across 154 games, with 150 of those as a starter.
As the holder of the Rams’ career sacks record, Donald embodied greatness on the field.
“There will never be another Aaron Donald,” Rams general manager Les Snead said, according to the team’s website.
Prior to his NFL career, Donald showcased his talent as a standout player at Penn Hills High School in the Pittsburgh area and later at the University of Pittsburgh.
During his four-year tenure with the Pitt Panthers, Donald demonstrated his prowess on the field, amassing impressive statistics including 115 solo tackles, 181 total tackles, and 29.5 sacks throughout 51 games. These remarkable performances led to his selection as the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Rams.
“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,” Donald wrote on Friday.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric, and Aali. 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.”
Aaron Donald joins Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders as the only players in NFL history to play at least 10 seasons and earn Pro Bowl selections each year.
“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,” Rams coach Sean McVay said, according to the team’s website.
In a post on X, Pitt football congratulated Donald on a remarkable career.
“Hail to YOU, @AaronDonald97,” the post said. “From Penn Hills to Pitt to @RamsNFL. To the Super Bowl and Canton, soon. From undersized DT to larger than life. An inspirational hero on and off the field. Congrats on retirement, AD! “
Donald becomes eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2029, where he is widely expected to secure a first-ballot induction.
