Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has officially retired from the NFL, with the announcement coming to light on March 15. However, it turns out that head coach Sean McVay had been aware of Donald’s decision two months prior.
In an interview with Albert Breer of SI.com, McVay revealed that Donald had expressed his feelings the day following the Rams’ playoff loss to the Lions on January 14. Donald simply stated, “I’m full.”
Reflecting on Donald’s sentiment, McVay remarked, “What an amazing thing. The words won’t do justice to the way that he so eloquently articulated it to me and just put it in a way that, as a human being, all you’re looking for is to be at peace and to be happy. He was full. And, man, did you feel that? You’re just so happy because he earned it too.”
Just two days after this revelation, McVay was asked about Donald’s future with the team. His response at the time suggested he understood that emotions after the end of a season could influence such decisions.
McVay stated, “I think those conversations occur at the appropriate time. There’s so much emotion that takes place right after a game and after a season that I think. . . . And even I was reading earlier, you see Jason Kelce, there’s all these assumptions and things like that, and so I think you give guys the chance to just digest the season, coaches and players alike, and then we’ll address all those things at the right time.”
Two months later, Donald announced his retirement, reminiscent of a similar private decision he made two years earlier during contract negotiations with the Rams.
While there may be speculation about enticing offers potentially swaying Donald’s decision, it seems that, for him, the value of playing for $30 million no longer aligns with his priorities. As one of the few NFL players to achieve such financial security, Donald has opted to walk away from the game on his terms.
