Although it was rumored in recent years, Aaron Donald’s decision to retire from the NFL still came as a major surprise.
At 32-years-old, Donald was still very much at the top of his game.
As one of the most decorated players in NFL history, Donald is a lock for the Hall of Fame. In many ways, winning the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams two years ago was the ultimate cherry on top for him.
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
Despite being as dominant as ever, Donald let it be known that he’s simply had enough.
“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.
Geno Smith screaming “OH MY GOD” while Aaron Donald charged him is an all-timer 😭
— GoldBoys.com (@GoldBoysSupport) March 15, 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.
Aaron Donald on his retirement:
“I’m burned out, the passion to play football is no longer there for me.” pic.twitter.com/8YdJzf9wwa
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 21, 2024
Most people consider Donald the single most dominant defensive player of this era … After all, his resume speaks for itself.
“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.
Aaron Donald’s resume is 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eNzpYyOsw1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 15, 2024
With Donald now gone, who takes his place as the league’s best defensive player???
Well, Donald himself answered that question, making it clear that he believes Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt is the NFL’s new “face of defense.”
“I felt like he should’ve won a couple more Defensive Player of the Year Awards, he kind of got snubbed a couple times, I ain’t gonna lie,” Donald said of Watt.
Aaron Donald on TJ Watt:
"I felt like he should've won a couple more Defensive Player of the Year Awards, he kind of got snubbed a couple times, I ain't gonna lie.”#steelers
🎥YT/Aaron Donald pic.twitter.com/ONSEqTEGHH
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) March 24, 2024
Donald’s statement echoes the opinion of many.
While Watt won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2021, there are strong beliefs that he should have won more.
As the unquestioned leader of the Steelers, Watt is a six-time Pro-Bowler (four-time All-Pro) and has 97.5 career sacks to his name.
A True analysis of TJ WATT (@_TJWatt) Game Wreaking Move!! pic.twitter.com/qqIiw7ubAb
— $ackChaser University (@SackChaser_U) March 18, 2024
Watt will surely be gracious for Doanld’s kind compliments. However, he is much more focused on helping Pittsburgh break-through in the playoffs.
Despite his dominance, Watt has never won a single playoff game in his career.
In some ways, we are entering a relatively new chapter in Steelers football due to the organization’s decision to move on from quarterback Kenny Pickett.
In comes Russell Wilson, and while he isn’t quite on strong ground due to his short-term contract, he is expected to be the starter in 2024.
Russell Wilson believes TJ Watt should have won at least 3 Defensive Player of The year Awards#steelers pic.twitter.com/yExetp0LGu
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) March 15, 2024
If Wilson falters in any way, shape or form, former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is anxiously waiting to step in.
Either way, Watt is excited for the exciting new chapter in Pittsburgh…
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have been putting in work this offseason. 👀
(🎥: @steelers) pic.twitter.com/VH1dWn9jKR
— theScore (@theScore) March 22, 2024
“I’m just hoping that I can learn something from those guys and hopefully, show them how things are done in Pittsburgh as well, what we’ve been doing,” Watt recently said to PJ Green of Fox4 in Kansas City.
“I haven’t won a playoff game my whole career, so I’m open to any type of information, where we can continue to get better. Hopefully, those guys can help us do that.”
“It’s a very tough, competitive league. There’s so much parity, especially in our division. You look at all the quarterbacks. I’m just glad that we have one. It’s all about staying healthy and being on the rise. And that’s what we have to do this year.”
#Steelers fans will enjoy this..
TJ Watt giving his take on the quarterback room with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
"I haven't won a playoff game since my whole career [in Pittsburgh] so I'm open to any type of information." pic.twitter.com/eTfWSPgadF
— PJ Green (@PJGreenTV) March 23, 2024
What are your thoughts on Donald proclaiming that Watt is now the NFL’s most dominant defender?
Do you agree? … If not, who do you think deserves the title?
As far as Donald, do you think he’ll be able to stay retired? … Or will he not be able to resist the inevitable itch that will surely come, despite his strong words of being “fulfilled.”
Where do you rank him among the best defensive players in NFL history???
The guys took some time to reminisce on the greatness of Aaron Donald pic.twitter.com/SfsCHEfUYh
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 20, 2024