NFL Legend Aaron Donald Retires After 10 Seasons

Legendary NFL interior defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who played his entire career with the St.Louis/Los Angeles Rams, has officially announced that he will be retiring from the NFL immediately. He is 32 years old.

Donald won the NFL defensive player of the year award three times during his career, and was named to the NFL Pro Bowl in each of his ten seasons in the league. Donald finished his career with 111 sacks, the second most by an interior defensive lineman in the history of the NFL.

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. 🍾🙏🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/edGxkUYdLz

— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) March 15, 2024

Donald said in a statement posted to his social media,

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.

AAron donald

Aaron Donald joins Barry Sanders as the only NFL player to make the pro bowl in every season of their career. Both legends played just ten seasons in the league. Rams head coach Sean McVay said about the announcement,

The great players in our league elevate the people around them and Aaron has modeled the way for our team as long as I’ve been with the Rams. He’s an elite competitor, someone who leads by example in a way that’s authentic to him, and an exceptional teammate who inspires everyone around him to be the best version of themselves.

As great of a player he is, he’s an even better person. He is truly one of one and epitomizes everything that’s right about sports. I will forever cherish the memories we’ve made and will always be grateful for how he poured everything into this game and into our team. He’s meant a lot to me personally and to my family

Rams Head Coach Sean McVay

For now, the Rams have lost possibly the best defensive player in all of football, leading many to question the team’s ability to succeed next season.

Donald will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history. A truly fantastic career!