Aaron Donald announces retirement

Aaron Donald, a defensive tackle with the Rams, announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday, capping one of the most illustrious careers in team and league history.

 

 

Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke stated, "We are so grateful for Aaron's dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past ten years." "He has inspired countless football fans throughout the world with his achievements, work ethic, and passion. He has left his mark on a generation of football fans." We are honored that Aaron Donald will always be a part of NFL history as a member of the Rams. It is a privilege to have watched one of the best athletes of all time."

Securing three NFL Defensive Player of the Year titles in league history, the Super Bowl LVI victor exits the field having racked up 111 sacks in ten seasons. In eight of his ten seasons, he recorded at least eight sacks. He was selected, unanimously, as one of the six players for the NFL 2010 All-Decade Team.

 

In Week 3 of the 2022 season, Donald became the fastest defensive tackle in NFL history to reach 100 career sacks. Hall of Famer John Randle (137.5) is the first player in the 100-plus sacks club who spent the most of his career as a defensive tackle since individual sacks were first counted in 1982.

When Donald surpassed Leonard Little's 87.5 sacks in Week 5 of that season against the Seahawks, he set a new record for the Rams in terms of career sacks. With 20.5 sacks in a single season in 2018, he also holds the franchise record for the Rams and the NFL single-season record for a defensive lineman.

Six of Donald's ten NFL seasons saw him record double-digit sack totals, including five straight from 2017 to 2021. In addition to being selected to the Pro Bowl in each of those ten seasons, he was named to The Associated Press's First Team All-Pro seven times in a row (2015–2021) and eight times total (after winning the honor for the 2023 season). For the 2014 campaign, he was also awarded Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Apart from his 111 career sacks, he finished 154 games (150 starts) with 790 pressures, 543 total tackles (176 for loss), 256 quarterback hits, 24 forced fumbles, and 21 passes defensed. Along with his 34 tackles (19 solo), 6.0 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 51 pressures, 16 quarterback hits, 34 hurries, and one pass defensed, Donald played in 11 playoff games, including two Super Bowls.

"The great players in our league elevate the people around them and Aaron has modeled the way for our team as long as I've been with the Rams," Sean McVay, the team's head coach, stated. He is a superb teammate who motivates everyone around him to reach their full potential. He is also an excellent competitor who sets a real example for others. He's an even greater person than a fantastic player. He is a unique individual who personifies all the positive aspects of athletics. I will always treasure the memories we have had and be appreciative of his unwavering dedication to our team and this game. He has had a profound impact on both my life and my family."

Les Snead, general manager, declared, "There will never be another Aaron Donald."