After a stellar decade in the NFL, Aaron Donald has decided to call it a career.
The star defensive tackle, who spent his entire storied career with the Los Angeles Rams, shared his retirement plans in a heartfelt social media post on Friday.
“Throughout my career, I have given my all to football, both mentally and physically. 365 days a year, I have dedicated myself to becoming the best player I can be,” Donald said in a statement.
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Los Angeles Rams No. 99 Aaron Donald looks on after the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. The Los Angeles Rams won 30-13. (Arika Jenner/Getty Images)
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year also expressed gratitude for spending his last season and every other season in a Rams uniform.
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“I respect this game more than anyone and I’m happy to finish my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. I was drafted by a team that won a world championship. Not many people win a championship and retire with that team.”I don’t take that for granted, and I never will,” he said in a statement posted on social media.
Donald finished his storied career with 111 sacks, 76 tackles for loss, and 24 forced fumbles. He was selected to 10 Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro eight times.
Donald was a key part of the Rams team that defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. He is widely regarded as one of the best interior linemen in league history and will likely end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Los Angeles Rams No. 99 Aaron Donald throws a ball during training camp at the University of California, Irvine on July 29, 2022 in Irvine, California. (Scott Tetch/Getty Images)
“We are extremely grateful to Aaron for his dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field over the past 10 years,” Rams owner and chairman Stan Kroenke said in a statement.
“He has left a mark on generations of soccer fans and his achievements, coupled with his work ethic and passion, continue to inspire teammates, coaches and athletes around the world. The greatest… It was an honor to witness one of these players.”And we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be a part of NFL history as a member of the Rams. ”
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Donald appeared to be considering leaving football after the 2021 season, but ultimately returned to the team after his contract was renegotiated. He considered retiring after the 2022 season, but ultimately returned to Los Angeles and added eight more sacks to his resume.
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