Former Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald has found some legal protection after an alarming situation involving a stalker who falsely believed they were married. According to a report by The Athletic on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, a Los Angeles court granted Donald’s request for a temporary restraining order against the woman, identified as Janelle Anwar.
The troubling case traces back to 2020, when Anwar first began sending Donald “threatening” emails. Over time, the situation escalated as Donald started receiving unwanted packages and gifts. Anwar’s behavior intensified, crossing into stalking territory and causing serious concern for Donald and his family.
In March 2025, Donald detailed in his court filing that Anwar sent him alarming messages via Google Chat, including threats directed at his three-year-old son, Aaric. Despite her claims of a relationship, Donald confirmed that he has never met Anwar. Nevertheless, Anwar filed for dissolution of a supposed marriage in March, seeking $1,500 per month in support payments and an astonishing $6.5 million “settlement.” Donald only learned of these filings through the NFL security office — he was never properly served the petition.
With the court’s ruling, Anwar must now stay at least a football field’s length away from Donald, his wife, their four children, and his brother. She is prohibited from contacting or harassing him and is also barred from possessing firearms. The next hearing regarding the case is scheduled for May 7, 2025.
The disturbing events come shortly after Donald retired from professional football, capping off a career that many believe will soon be honored with a Hall of Fame induction. Drafted 13th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh, Donald spent all 10 seasons with the Rams, first in St. Louis and later in Los Angeles. He became an immediate force in the NFL, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014 and going on to establish himself as one of the most dominant defensive players the league has ever seen.
During his career, Donald was selected to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls and was named First-team All-Pro eight times. He also won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award three times, becoming just the third player in history to do so. His career stat line is staggering: 337 tackles, 111 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, and 21 passes defended.
Donald’s crowning achievement came during the 2021 postseason when he helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl 56 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, making two pivotal sacks in the game. Even in his final season in 2023, Donald remained highly productive, recording eight sacks in 16 games before officially retiring on March 15, 2024.
Now, as Donald transitions into life after football, his focus has understandably shifted to protecting his family and personal safety. Hopefully, with the court’s intervention, he and his loved ones can find peace after this unsettling chapter.
