In somewhat of a stunner, Los Angeles Rams All-Pro star Aaron Donald announced his early retirement from the NFL.
As one of the most dominant forces in football, Donald is often considered the single-best defensive player of this generation.
I can remember clearly, waking up in my tent in Western Afghansitan to see who the Rams drafted. He was always tied to my deployment. End of an Era. FOREVER Grateful for what he gave us. Coming back from a SB loss, to a SB win. We are blessed fam. #rams #goat #aarondonald https://t.co/ysm4bg2EW1
— LosAngelesRams Mike (@laramsmike) March 15, 2024
At only 32-years old, and still at the top of his game, his decision to walk away from football has made fans draw comparisons to Barry Sanders.
Much like Donald, Sanders retired from football very young while still at the top of his game.
Fortunately for Donald, he enjoyed much more success than Sanders – but still. It’s always sad to lose one of the NFL’s all-time greats.
Geno Smith screaming “OH MY GOD” while Aaron Donald charged him is an all-timer 😭
— GoldBoys x JD (@GoldBoysSupport) March 15, 2024
“I’m complete. I’m full,” Donald said in his first interview since retiring. “I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me.”
“I will always love football, but to think about going through camp and going through another 17 (game) season. I just don’t have the urge to want to push myself to do that no more,” he admitted.
POSITIVE SELF-TALK
“How bad do you want it? . . . Be great. Let’s be great.” (Aaron Donald) pic.twitter.com/Qzk2AT5JBn
— Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler) March 16, 2024
“I’m burnt out, if anything. The best way to say it is that I’m full. I’m complete. I’m satisfied with what I was able to do in 10 years. I think it’s time for me, at 32-years-old, to retire from football and jump into the next step of my career and my life.”
“It’s time to move on,” he concluded.
Greatest defensive tackle in NFL history
— Max Powers (@MaxPowers44) March 21, 2024
While there were rumors that Donald was considering retiring following the Rams victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and Super Bowl LVI, his decision still comes as a shock.
“Ten years. Ten Pro Bowls. Eight All-Pros. Three Defensive Player of the Years. Defensive Rookie of the Year. Two NFC championships. Three NFC West championships. Went to two Super Bowls, won one, lost one,” he said, summing up his accomplishments.
Not too bad, huh???
Aaron Donald’s resume is 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eNzpYyOsw1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 15, 2024
Yet, in drawing comparisons to Sanders, Donald acknowledged a crucial difference.
While Sanders opted for retirement despite nearing the historic milestone of Walter Payton’s career rushing record, Donald emphasized a similar detachment from individual accolades, echoing Sanders’ renowned indifference to personal milestones.
Reflecting on the rarity of departing on one’s own terms, Donald acknowledged the privilege of following in Sanders’ footsteps, closing a chapter of his career defined by excellence and integrity.
“Very few players get to go out on top, on their own terms,” Donald mused, echoing the sentiment Sanders embodied a quarter-century ago.
The guys took some time to reminisce on the greatness of Aaron Donald pic.twitter.com/SfsCHEfUYh
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 20, 2024
Having said all of that, some are speculating whether it may only be a matter of time before Donald makes a return to the NFL.
It may be crazy to think about now, especially considering the strong wording he used in many of statements.
However, some fans are wondering if after recharging his battery and feeling the infamous football “itch,” whether he’d consider parachuting onto a Super Bowl contending team.
The biggest question for #RamsHouse fans … could AD make a return?
The Athletic's @JourdanRodrigue chats with @TravisRodgers & AK @KamBrothers on Aaron Donald potentially coming back to football pic.twitter.com/73MEHQo2OT
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) March 15, 2024
With quarterback Matthew Stafford having an enormously strong bounce-back season last year, it’s not like the Rams are THAT far off.
If the Rams are (seriously) contending, would a midseason return for Donald be that far-fetched?
That’d be dope. I feel like we could make a run this year, so I’m a little disappointed about AD retiring now in that regard. But we’ll see!
— Nathan Smith (@wbfresh90) March 15, 2024
You can’t necessarily rule out the possibility. Although, in fairness, Donald seems extremely content with his decision.
What do you think?
Is Donald indeed retired for good?
Or does something tell you we could see him again on a football field, especially if the perfect opportunity presents itself???
Have a feeling that Aaron Donald is going to unretire before the season
— W (@raps_seahawks) March 16, 2024