One of the all-time great Rams is hanging up his cleats.
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald announced his retirement on Friday, ending his illustrious 10-year career.
“For 10 years, I have been fortunate to the play the game of football at the highest level,” Donald wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “I respected this game like no other and I’m blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me.”
Donald was drafted by the Rams with the No. 13 pick in the 2014 draft out of Pittsburgh and immediately made his presence felt with nine sacks and 18 tackles for loss, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
He went on to win three Defensive Player of the Year awards, tied for most in league history, in 2017, 2018 and 2020. He was named to the first-team All-Pro eight times and to 10 Pro Bowls.
It was not uncommon to see Donald face double and triple teams on any given snap. But the most lasting image of his career will be after he spun Joe Burrow to the ground on fourth-and-1 at the end of Super Bowl LVI, forcing an incompletion and clinching the Rams’ first championship in Los Angeles.
As he held his helmet up with his left hand, he pointed to his finger with his right, saying, “Ring me.”
“Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team,” Donald wrote. “I do not, and will not, take that for granted.”
Cheers to what’s next. Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support over these last 10 years. Much love. 🍾🙏🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/edGxkUYdLz
— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) March 15, 2024
Now at 32, Donald walks away. He will have no retirement press conference, instead leaving the game with the same quiet approach that has served him so well through the years.
“As I turn my focus to a new chapter, I don’t know what the future holds, but I am excited about the off the field possibilities. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric and Aali,” Donald wrote. “The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side.”
