In Los Angeles, some figures need no introduction.
So, when the lights dim and the music starts at SoFi Stadium on Monday night, all eyes will be on No. 99 as he makes his entrance.
For the first time in more than two years, Aaron Donald is set to take the field again when the Rams face off against the New York Giants in a primetime home opener.
As Donald steps out in his jersey and pads, I wouldn’t be surprised if you could feel the excitement reverberating through the stadium.
“That’s the plan,” Donald confirmed on Friday when asked if he’d be playing.
Just three simple words—Los Angeles fans wouldn’t want to hear anything else.
“If he says it, he’s going. Whatever Aaron says, I support,” commented head coach Sean McVay.
While Donald hesitated to make any promises, he did share that after two years away from the game, he’s feeling “more free, a lot more loose” thanks to extra practices this week.
If he can regain even a fraction of the skill he showcased prior to his retirement in 2023, Giants’ players might want to watch out.
This return also adds a much-needed spark to a Rams team still reeling from a rough 27-7 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne.
The Rams traveled all that way for Week 1, but it seems their defense didn’t make the trip, as Myles Garrett was left without any tackles before undergoing knee surgery that will keep him out for at least a month.
Now, it’s time for Donald to return to action.
The situation feels almost scripted.
Interestingly, Donald played his last regular-season game against the Giants on December 31, 2023, where he recorded five tackles and two sacks, leading the Rams to a narrow 26-25 victory.
His final game overall occurred two weeks later, resulting in a tough loss to the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card round.
He last played in front of the home crowd at SoFi on December 21, 2023, against the Saints. Coincidentally, Monday will also fall on the 21st—exactly two years and nine months or 1,005 days later.
This narrative could only be dreamt up by a screenwriter, but once the game starts, that nostalgia will fade, leaving reality to take its place.
At 35, Donald hasn’t played in nearly 1,000 days, and expecting him to immediately jump back to his full workload would be naïve. He’s already indicated that he’ll pace himself rather than try to be the “old” Aaron Donald all at once.
But really, the Rams don’t need him for a full game—they need him during those pivotal moments.
Think third-and-8, two-minute drills, or tense late-game situations—those crucial moments where a game can turn in an instant. Let Kobie Turner and Byron Young take some of the early pressure, then unleash Donald when it truly counts.
On the Giants’ side, quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Sam Skattebo weren’t even in the NFL when Donald last played, but Skattebo seems ready to face him head-on.
“If I have to meet him in the hole on third-and-1, then so be it,” Skattebo said with confidence. “I got to get one yard.”
It’s brave of Skattebo. He showcased his skills with 81 rushing yards in New York’s recent win against Dallas, but challenging Donald directly is a risky move—like ignoring a “Do Not Feed the Bears” sign while setting up a picnic.
Perhaps Donald has lost a step or two, or maybe that explosive first stride isn’t as sharp anymore. It’s possible that his once-feared hands aren’t as menacing as they once were. But come Monday night, we’ll finally find out.
“AD is AD,” Turner stated confidently. “You’ll see it on Monday.”
Turner also noted that Rams fans “love him” and predicted a heartfelt welcome when Donald makes his entrance, adding a whole new dynamic to the defense.
Donald previously left football on his own terms, a Super Bowl champion with three Defensive Player of the Year awards—essentially, he had nothing left to prove.
Now, however, he’s returning just for the thrill of the game and another shot at the Lombardi Trophy at SoFi Stadium.
The anticipation is nearly over.
