LOS ANGELES (AP): Over ten years, Aaron Donald broke down quarterbacks, smashed ball carriers, battled against constant double teams, and generally destroyed NFL offenses.

Throughout the Los Angeles Rams’ whole Super Bowl run, he was unwavering, dependable, and incredibly resourceful.

And on Friday, Donald concluded that ten years of supremacy was enough.

The best defensive lineman of his time, having played for ten fantastic years, has announced his retirement.

The somewhat unexpected statement was made on social media by the three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Although he has already left an enduring impression on the Rams and the NFL, he has no plans to have a big farewell or retirement news conference.
Following his 2014 first-round draft selection by the Rams out of Pitt, the 32-year-old Donald played his whole career for them. He was chosen for eight All-Pro first teams, ten Pro Bowls, and the title of league’s best defensive player in 2017, 2018, and 2020. The Pittsburgh native also earned the honor.

In a statement, Donald stated, “Throughout my career, I have given everything to football—both mentally and physically—and I have dedicated 365 days a year to becoming the best player I possibly could be.” “I have the utmost respect for this game, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to wrap up my NFL career with the team that picked me. Few people are drafted by a team, play for that team until they retire, and win a world title. I refuse to take that for granted, and I never will.

Over his career, Donald, despite being smaller than many of the best defensive tackles, wreaked havoc on offenses with his exceptional athleticism and game sense. During his time with the Rams, he was the cornerstone of the defense, forcing regular double teams to switch attention from his teammates while still amassing a franchise-high 111 sacks—third most among active players in the NFL.

Donald peaked in fame in 2016 with the Rams’ return to Los Angeles from St. Louis, where he had previously won the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year award in 2014. On his route to making his first Super Bowl participation under head coach Sean McVay in 2018, he recorded a career-high 20 1/2 sacks.
After that, he was crucial to the Rams’ push to a Super Bowl triumph three years later. He is best known for having applied the pressure that resulted in Joe Burrow of Cincinnati throwing incomplete at midfield on the Bengals’ final play in Los Angeles’ 23-20 victory in Super Bowl 56.

Following that stop, Donald created yet another memorable moment during the Rams’ title campaign by removing his helmet, waving his ring finger, and yelling, “Ring me!” His exuberant, naked ride atop a double-decker bus during the Los Angeles Rams victory parade is another legendary event in team history.

According to a statement from McVay, “Aaron has modeled the way for our team as long as I’ve been with the Rams. Great players in our league elevate the people around them.” “He is an outstanding teammate who motivates everyone around him to be their best selves, an elite competitor, and a leader who sets an example that is true to himself.”

The only other players who have won Defensive Player of the Year three times are Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt. Since sacks were introduced as a formal metric in 1982, only John Randle (137 1/2) has accumulated more sacks than Donald in the defensive lineman position.

The Rams’ rise in the Los Angeles sports hierarchy since the team’s return is mostly due to two factors: McVay’s coaching skills and Donald’s obvious excellence, even though he lived quietly with his wife and four children for the majority of his time away from football. The Rams won six championships, five postseason trips, three NFC West titles, two trips to the Super Bowl, and a ring during McVay’s seven years with Donald. All of this was accomplished while winning over a lot of skeptics in the second-biggest market in the country.

The parameters of a contract that was renegotiated over two years ago called for Donald to make over $34 million this season. While there have been rumors that Donald has discussed retirement in private during the last two seasons, neither the Rams nor Donald has made it known that he might actually leave the team.

But during the previous two months, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris—who won the Super Bowl—went to take a head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons, while defensive line coach Eric Henderson left to take a similar position at Southern California. Donald is close friends with Henderson.

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Thoughts of the owner of the Rams, Stan Kroenke.

Owner of the Rams, Stan Kroenke remarked, “We are so grateful for Aaron’s dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past ten years.” “He has inspired countless football fans over the years with his achievements, work ethic, and passion. He is an inspiration to his teammates, coaches, and athletes everywhere.” Being present for one of the greatest players of all time is an honor, and we are happy that Aaron Donald, as a Rams player, will go on in NFL history forever.

Although his offseason training schedule was well-known for being rigorous, Donald has expressed his appreciation for it, citing his father’s work ethic as the reason behind his transformation from a self-described “lazy little kid” to a dynamo. During the Rams offseason, Donald went back to Pittsburgh to work out at the Aaron Donald Football Performance Center, which was made possible by his seven-figure commitment to the university.

Throughout his career, Donald amassed 543 tackles, 24 forced fumbles, and 176 tackles for loss. In his 11 postseason games in his career, he recorded 34 tackles and six sacks.

Not only was Donald extremely durable, but across his ten-year career, he only missed six games due to injury, all of which occurred late in the 2022 season, when the Rams were already eliminated from postseason contention.

Donald’s 2022 teammate, linebacker Bobby Wagner, said about him, “He meant so much.” “Watching him work and exercise was the real deal.” In the film room as much as in the field, not many D-linemen truly put in that kind of work. He was able to do so much in his career, and he’s had an amazing career, and I’m excited about whatever he has next. A great human being. Amazing player. One of the greatest.”

Only one player is now left on the Rams’ roster who also played in St. Louis: Rob Havenstein, who is still the Rams’ starting right tackle.