Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams explained why he retired after playing 10 years in the NFL, even though he was still in his prime.
In a short video on social media captioned “Soon,” Donald briefly explained why he decided the time was right.
“I don’t think I have the passion to play the game anymore,” he admitted. “I will always love football, but when I think about the next camp and another 17 years…[game] Once the season is over, I don’t feel like forcing it anymore. I’m burnt out.
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Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
“If anything, I’m full, complete is the best way to put it. I’m happy with what I’ve been able to do in 10 years. At 32 years old, I think it’s time to retire. ” Let’s start playing soccer and jump into the next step in my career and life. It’s time to move on. ”
Donald began the video by reading aloud his accomplishments, which in five years’ time he will be eligible to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“10 Pro Bowls, 8 All-Pros, 3 Defensive Player of the Year Awards, 3 Rookie of the Year Awards. 2 NFC Championships, 3 NFC West Championships. 2 Super Bowl appearances, 1 win. 1 loss,” he said.
Rams’ Sean McVay reveals how Aaron Donald planned to retire
“I’m done eating. I’m full.”
Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams after a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle on September 10, 2023. (Arika Jenner/Getty Images)
Donald had been rumored to be considering retirement despite clearly being in his prime, but it still came as a surprise when he announced it.
Donald, 32, said the same thing to head coach Sean McVay, saying, “I’ve had enough.”
“I’m just like, ‘You should too. You have a right to feel that way.’ How amazing,” McVeigh said. “These words don’t do justice to what he so eloquently told me, they just expressed that all we really want as humans is to be peaceful and happy.”
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald leaves the field at the end of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit. (Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Donald has 111 career sacks, tied for 40th all-time with Randy White. He also had 543 tackles.
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