Aaron Donald, who anchored the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line for a decade and helped power the team to its Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in February 2022, announced his retirement Friday at age 32.
“Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically — 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be,” Donald wrote on social media. “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. Not many people get drafted to a team, win a world championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted.
“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,” he wrote. “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, A.J., Aaric and Aali. The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side, and I can’t wait to watch them live out their dreams just as they watched me live out mine.”
Aaron Donald was a first-round draft pick of the Rams in 2014, and he was named to the Pro Bowl in all 10 of his seasons. He is an eight-time All-Pro first-team selection, and he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2020.
He is credited with helping to seal the Rams’ victory in Super Bowl LVI, bursting through the line and into the face of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow on the final play of the game, forcing an incompletion that ensured the win.
“It is a privilege to have witnessed one of the greatest players of all time and we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be part of NFL history as a member of the Rams,” team owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement.
Rams Coach Sean McVay said Donald “is truly one of one.”
“I will forever cherish the memories we’ve made and will always be grateful for how he poured everything into this game and into our team,” McVay said.
Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp was also among those weighing in, writing on social media, “Thankful to have been able to watch, learn from and play alongside one of the best to ever do it.”