As it turns out, J.J. Watt may not be the only future Hall of Fame game-wrecker who’s contemplating a return to the NFL.
In a recent interview, Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead hinted at the possibility of retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald returning to the team.
Although retirement rumors had surrounded Donald for the past few years, his decision to step away from the game still came as a shock to the football world.
Donald remained a dominant force this past season. And at only 32-years-old, it’s clear he still has several years of high-quality football left in him.
Unfortunately for the Rams however, Donald admitted that he lost love for football and felt like this offseason was the perfect time to leave the sport that he had ruled so dominantly.
“I’m complete. I’m full,” Donald said shortly after announcing his decision to retire. “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.
“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.”
“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.
“(But) it’s time to move on,” he concluded.
Could it be possible that Donald’s ALREADY feeling the itch to return just a few months after seemingly being at peace with his decision to step away?
It certainly seems that way…
Speaking on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Snead revealed that he had discussed the idea of a potential comeback with Donald, drawing parallels to the Ram’ previous experience with Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle.
“I did mention to Aaron that going back to our Super Bowl run, that there was a player by the name of Eric Weddle, who kind of jumped into the playoffs, and we signed him to the practice squad. And we standard elevated him for four straight games to a Super Bowl championship,” Snead said.
“So, I did mention if we happen to get to the playoffs again, maybe we’ll circle back and see if the cup’s not quite filled … But that’s just a rumor. I doubt Aaron’s going to do that.”
Snead kind of played both sides of the fence with his comments. However, you won’t find too many general managers who would make such remarks if there wasn’t at least a shred of truth to it possibly happening.
The NFL has seen its fair share of legends returning from retirement, including notable names like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Deion Sanders, Marshawn Lynch, Randy Moss, and Reggie White (just to name a few.)
Snead’s comments suggest that while Donald’s return may seem improbable, it remains within the realm of possibility.
What are your thoughts on Snead’s comments?
Do you think we’ll end up seeing Donald back in a Rams uniform this season?
Assuming he does rejoin the Rams down the stretch, how do you view LA? … Are they legitimate contenders as long as everyone stays healthy?
In the bigger picture, where do you rank Donald among the best defensive players of this generation???