Aaron Donald has chosen to retire from professional football. After a decade-long career marked by remarkable achievements, including three AP Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl LVI victory, Donald announced his retirement on Friday.
In a statement shared on social media, Donald reflected on his dedication to 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 possible player I could be.”
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to conclude his NFL journey with the team that drafted him, emphasizing the rarity of such an experience.
Selected as the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Donald wasted no time making an impact. In his rookie year, he earned AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with notable statistics, including 9.0 sacks and 18 tackles for loss.
This marked the beginning of a stellar career, during which Donald garnered numerous accolades, including eight first-team All-Pro selections.
His most remarkable seasons came in 2017 and 2018 when he clinched consecutive AP Defensive Player of the Year awards. In 2018, Donald set a record for an interior lineman with 20.5 sacks, a feat that solidified his status as one of the game’s all-time greats. Although the Rams fell short of a Super Bowl victory in the 2018 season, Donald’s relentless performance contributed significantly to the team’s success.
However, Donald ultimately achieved his dream of winning a Super Bowl ring in 2021 when the Rams triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium. His dominance on the field earned him his third AP Defensive Player of the Year award for his exceptional performance during the 2020 season.
With a career total of 111.0 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, and 260 quarterback hits in 154 games, Donald leaves an indelible mark on the NFL. His legacy as one of the greatest defensive players of all time is secure, and in five years, he will become eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
