Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald announced Friday that he’s hanging up his cleats after a 10-year career, spent entirely with the Rams.
The team, then located in St. Louis, drafted him in 2014. Donald was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year that year, and he was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2020 — tied for the most in NFL history with Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt.
Donald was also named an NFL All-Pro player eight times, tied with Taylor, Reggie White and Bruce Smith.
Donald and the Rams won Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022 as the second team to win it all on their home field. The team also lost to the New England Patriots three years earlier.
“For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play football on the highest level. … I would like to thank St. Louis for the love and support during my first two years in the league, and through my eight years as a Los Angeles Ram. I would like to thank Los Angeles for the love and support throughout my career as well,” Donald wrote in a statement posted on X.
Donald concluded his message by saying that he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife and four children.
The Rams X account posted numerous tributes Friday, calling him the “best to ever do it” and uploading a graphic suggesting that quarterbacks will rejoice at his retirement.
“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,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said in a statement.
With Donald’s departure, only one player, starting right guard Rob Havenstein, remains on the team from its time in St. Louis.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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