Aaron Donald hasn’t formally confirmed his return to the Los Angeles Rams, but his actions are raising a lot of eyebrows about his alleged retirement.
The 35-year-old defensive lineman sparked further rumors on Monday, working out with teammates Braden Fisk and DeJuan Johnson at the Rams’ facility. Video from 2Tenths Speed & Agility showed Donald donning a Rams helmet while navigating through cones and an agility ladder under the guidance of his long-time coach, Dwayne Brown.
Johnson, who played alongside Donald during the latter’s last season in 2023, notes that it feels like Donald hasn’t slowed down at all.
“It didn’t feel like he missed a beat at all,” Johnson remarked. “I actually think he’s become a bit faster and hungrier in a way.” Faster? It’s an intriguing thought.
It’s almost as if Donald is defying the natural aging process after being away from the game for two years. It’s surprising, really, for someone who has already established himself as one of the most formidable defensive tackles in NFL history.
This view aligns with Donald’s own comments ahead of the Rams’ 2021 championship run when he suggested that getting older had, in his case, meant becoming faster and stronger.
Fast forward five years, and Johnson seems to imply that as Donald ages, the normal rules just don’t apply.
The Rams officially noted Donald’s workout as his first since he retired, primarily because he was using team equipment. He has also been seen training in a Rams helmet at UCLA, where Brown has recently relocated from Pittsburgh.
While one might dismiss these as signs of a dedicated retiree maintaining fitness, collectively, they suggest a man gearing up to step back onto the field.
After the Rams brought in reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, Donald seemed to explore the possibility of making a comeback. Together, they would tally six Defensive Player of the Year awards combined—no small headache for opposing offensive teams.
Fisk may not have played next to Donald, but he joined the team shortly after Donald’s retirement, making the prospect of his return even more noteworthy.
There’s still a decision to be made about whether Donald will come out of retirement. The Rams have roster adjustments and contract issues to consider as well. Until then, every training session will be scrutinized like rare footage of a powerful and elusive creature.
Yet, with him sporting Rams gear and reportedly moving faster than before, the question lingers: If this is merely a fitness routine, why is he going about it in such a complicated way?
