NFL Star Aaron Donald Announces Retirement After Glittering 10-Year Career with Los Angeles Rams

Defensive lineman Aaron Donald, a three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has declared his retirement after an illustrious decade-long stint with the Los Angeles Rams.

The 32-year-old Pittsburgh native was a standout player for the Rams, having been drafted by them in 2014 out of Pitt, and accrued an impressive tally of 10 Pro Bowl selections and eight All-Pro first team nods.

Despite not being as large as some of his counterparts in the defensive tackle position, Aaron Donald utilized his unparalleled athleticism and strategic prowess to wreak havoc on opposing offenses throughout his career.

During his time with the Rams, Donald managed to notch up a franchise-record 111 sacks, ranking him third among active players in the NFL.

His crowning achievement came when he helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory, notably applying pressure on Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow in the closing moments to secure a 23-20 win in Super Bowl 56.

Head coach Sean McVay credited Donald for elevating the entire team and serving as a model of excellence both on and off the field.

Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt remain the only two other players to have clinched the Defensive Player of the Year award on three occasions.

Despite speculation swirling for the past couple of seasons about retiring, it wasn’t until now that Aaron Donald officially confirmed his departure from the Rams.

Following Donald’s retirement, the Rams bid farewell to their Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who accepted the head coaching role at the Atlanta Falcons, and to defensive line coach Eric Henderson, who joined Southern California.

Owner Stan Kroenke lauded Donald’s impact on the franchise, noting his enduring legacy and the inspiration he continues to provide to teammates, coaches, and fans worldwide.

With over 500 career tackles, including numerous tackles for loss and forced fumbles, Donald’s durability and consistency set him apart as a true great of the game.

Only one player remains on the Rams’ roster from their time in St. Louis: Rob Havenstein, the starting right tackle.