Aaron Donald retired last offseason as one of the greatest players in NFL history. If you made an all-time NFL team, Aaron Donald would have a real argument to be a starting defensive tackle, as the former Los Angeles Ram was as good as it gets.
Donald retired at just 32 years old and is currently 33, meaning he’s definitely still young enough to make a return and be an outstanding player. On Monday, Rams head coach Sean McVay discussed a potential return forAaron Donald to the Los Angeles Rams.
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Donald, widely regarded as one of the most dominant defenders in league history, left the game on top. An eight-time first-team All-Pro selection and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Donald capped his stellar career with 111 sacks and 16 forced fumbles over 154 games. His contributions to the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory, especially his game-deciding pressure on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, remain iconic moments in modern NFL history.
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When asked about a potential Donald return, McVay offered an open-ended but realistic perspective. “You never close the door on a player like Aaron,” McVay said, per NFL Network. “What he did for this organization, what he brought to the field every single week, it’s hard to put into words. If he ever decides he wants to play again, we’d certainly have that conversation.” While McVay’s comments don’t indicate any active discussions, they highlight the respect and admiration Donald still commands within the organization.
The Rams entered the 2024 season with a clear strategy to rebuild their defensive front in Donald’s absence. Rookie defensive linemen Braeden Fiske and Jared Verse, both highly touted prospects out of Florida State, have shown promise early in their NFL careers. While replacing a generational talent like Donald is nearly impossible, the Rams appear to have found building blocks for the future.
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Despite speculation, Donald has given no public indication that he plans to return. Last offseason, he emphasized his desire to retire on his terms, noting that he had accomplished everything he set out to achieve in the NFL. “It’s about my family and enjoying what life has to offer,” Donald told The Athletic shortly after his retirement.
However, the NFL has seen its share of retirements reversed. Hall of Fame players like Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, and even Tom Brady stepped away, only to later return to the gridiron. Donald’s age and pristine conditioning make him a rare candidate to replicate such a comeback.
For now, though, the Rams are focused on their future without their franchise cornerstone. While McVay’s comments leave the door open, a Donald return seems unlikely-but in the NFL, it’s never wise to rule anything out. “If he picks up the phone, we’re ready,”McVay concluded.
Whether or not Donald ever returns to football, his legacy is already cemented. He will undoubtedly be enshrined in Canton one day as one of the greatest defensive players to ever play the game. As the Rams continue to build for the future, they do so with a clear understanding: Aaron Donald set a standard that may never be matched.