Super Bowl champion Aaron Donald RETIRES from the NFL: LA Rams tackle is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in history

LA Rams star Aaron Donald has announced his retirement after a stellar ten-year career.

After being selected No. 13 overall in 2014, the defensive tackle earned eight All-Pro selections, three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl ring in 2022 when LA beat the Bengals.

He is just the second DT ever to reach 100 sacks (111 total), one of the greatest defensive players ever and a surefire Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible. 

On X, Donald shared a highlight video and pictures of a long statement announcing his decision to retire, captioning the post, ‘Cheers to what’s next. Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support over these last 10 years. Much love.

In the statement, he said, ‘For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level. I’m thankful for the people I’ve met along the way, the relationships I’ve built and the things I’ve accomplished with my teammates and individually.’

Donald went on to thank the cities of St. Louis (where he began his career before the Rams moved) and Los Angeles, as well as owner Stan Kroenke.

He continued, ‘There are far too many people in the organization to thank specifically, but I will never forget the relationships. I appreciate everyone on the field, off the field and behind the scenes that made my job smooth. I know I’m going to miss my teammates and the camaraderie we had in the building, as well as the coaches who will continue to have a lasting impact on me.

‘Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically – 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be. I respected this game like no other and I’m blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. 

‘Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted.

‘As I turn my focus to a new chapter, I don’t know what the future holds, but I am excited about the off the field possibilities. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric and Aali. The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side, and I can’t wait to watch them live our their dreams just as they watched me live out mine.’ 

The Rams honored Donald was a series of posts, calling him ‘the best to ever do it’ and sharing a tribute from Kroenke.

‘It is a privilege to have witnessed one of the greatest players of all time and we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be part of NFL history as a member of the Rams,’ Kroenke wrote.

The team also shared a graphic of the player with the words, ‘Quarterbacks Rejoice,’ a humorous nod to the way Donald victimized passers over his 10-year career.