Defensive tackle Aaron Donald, known for his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams, has declared his retirement from the National Football League (NFL) at the age of 32, culminating a decade-long career in the league.
In a statement shared on X, Donald reflected on his unwavering commitment to football, dedicating himself both mentally and physically throughout his journey. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to conclude his NFL career with the same team that drafted him, he emphasized the rarity of winning a World Championship and retiring with the same franchise, a privilege he deeply appreciates.
Over the span of his career, Donald amassed impressive statistics, including 111 sacks, 340 tackles, and 260 quarterback hits across 154 games. He maintained an exceptional record, earning Pro Bowl selections for all 10 seasons and securing First-team All-Pro honors eight times. Notably, he clinched the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2014 and garnered the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) accolade three times in 2017, 2018, and 2020.
Joining an elite group in NFL history, which includes Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt, Donald’s three DPOY titles highlight his outstanding defensive prowess. Additionally, he shares a rare achievement with Taylor as one of only two defensive players to earn Pro Bowl selections in each of their first 10 seasons since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, as reported by ESPN.
Donald’s contributions were instrumental in the Rams’ victory in Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, where he played a pivotal role with two sacks, three solo tackles, and three QB hits, helping secure a 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Reflecting on Donald’s impact, Rams’ head coach Sean McVay praised his leadership and competitive spirit, acknowledging his role in elevating the team and inspiring his teammates to strive for excellence.
