What Happened to Aaron Donald?
Aaron Donald is an American former professional football defensive tackle who played 10 seasons for the Los Angeles Rams, establishing himself as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. After winning Super Bowl LVI and three Defensive Player of the Year awards, he announced his retirement in March 2024. As of August 2026, Donald is actively considering a return to the Rams, participating in multiple workouts with the team, fueled by the prospect of playing alongside newly acquired Myles Garrett.
Quick Answer
Aaron Donald, a legendary defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, retired from the NFL in March 2024 after a dominant 10-season career that included a Super Bowl LVI championship and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. However, as of August 2026, Donald is seriously contemplating a comeback. He has been conducting official workouts with the Rams, with head coach Sean McVay confirming his excellent physical condition and the team's willingness to await his decision, especially following the acquisition of star defensive end Myles Garrett.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Wins Lombardi Award
As a senior at Pitt, Donald wins the Lombardi Award, given to the nation's top lineman or linebacker, among other prestigious college awards.
Drafted by St. Louis Rams
Aaron Donald is selected 13th overall in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams.
Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Donald makes an immediate impact, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
First NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award
Donald earns his first of three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, solidifying his status as an elite defender.
Second NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award
Donald wins his second consecutive NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Third NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award
Aaron Donald receives his third NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in four seasons.
Wins Super Bowl LVI
Donald helps lead the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI, making a crucial game-sealing play against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Announces NFL Retirement
After 10 seasons, Aaron Donald officially announces his retirement from the National Football League.
Pitt Retires Jersey Number
The University of Pittsburgh retires Aaron Donald's No. 97 jersey during a halftime ceremony.
Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame
Donald is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding collegiate career.
Rams Acquire Myles Garrett, Fueling Comeback Talk
The Los Angeles Rams trade for star defensive end Myles Garrett, sparking widespread speculation about Aaron Donald potentially coming out of retirement to play alongside him.
First Reported Workout with Rams
Reports surface that Aaron Donald worked out with the Los Angeles Rams, marking the first concrete sign of a potential return.
Official Workout with Rams
Donald completes an official workout with the Rams, logged on the NFL transaction wire, with coach Sean McVay calling it the 'best tryout we've ever had.'
Second Official Workout with Rams
Aaron Donald participates in a second official workout with the Los Angeles Rams, as he continues to weigh a potential return to the NFL.
Trainer Posts Video Hinting at Return
Donald's longtime trainer posts a video of him working out at the Rams' facilities with a caption suggesting he is 'getting locked in for Season,' further intensifying comeback rumors.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Aaron Charles Donald, born May 23, 1991, carved out an unparalleled career as a defensive tackle in the National Football League. After a highly decorated college career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he won multiple national awards in 2013, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, Donald was selected 13th overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2014 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2014.
Donald's career was marked by consistent excellence, leading to three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards (2017, 2018, 2020), eight First-team All-Pro selections, and 10 Pro Bowl nominations over his 10 seasons. A pivotal moment in his career came in Super Bowl LVI in 2022, where his game-sealing pressure on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow secured the Rams' 23-20 victory, fulfilling his quest for a championship.
On March 15, 2024, Aaron Donald announced his retirement from the NFL after a decade-long career, having earned over $157 million in salary and bonuses. His retirement marked the end of an era for one of the most disruptive defensive players in league history. Post-retirement, Donald continued to be recognized for his collegiate achievements, with the University of Pittsburgh retiring his No. 97 jersey in November 2025 and his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in January 2026.
However, the story of Aaron Donald took an unexpected turn in the summer of 2026. Following the Los Angeles Rams' acquisition of reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in a June trade, speculation about a potential comeback for Donald intensified. Donald began engaging in football-specific workouts at the Rams' facilities in July and August 2026, with these sessions officially logged as tryouts. Rams head coach Sean McVay has publicly stated that Donald is in excellent physical shape and that the team is not imposing a strict timeline for his decision, respecting his right to choose.
As of August 22, 2026, Aaron Donald has not made a definitive announcement regarding his return to the NFL. However, a video posted by his longtime trainer on August 22, 2026, showing Donald performing football drills at the Rams' facilities with the caption "@aarondonald99 working out getting locked in for Season," has been widely interpreted as the clearest indication yet of his serious consideration for a 2026 comeback. The prospect of Donald joining Garrett on the Rams' defensive line has generated significant excitement and anticipation across the league.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Aaron Donald made different choices?