Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been the subject of widespread retirement rumors over the course of the past calendar year.
Donald contemplated retirement after Los Angeles’ Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals last February.
Not only did the multi-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year opt to return for the 2022 season, but he also signed a three-year, $95 million contract extension with Los Angeles.
Coming off an injury-plagued and disappointing season, Donald seemed to indicate on social media that he has retired from the game before backtracking a short while later. Just check out his Twitter bio.
Donald, 31, missed his first-ever game due to an injury this past season. In fact, he was absent for six outings as the Rams finished with a disastrous 5-12 record.
Sunday’s social media activity wasn’t on accident. We’re not sure what Donald was planning to do there and whether he believed others wouldn’t see it. But it was of public record.
A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Donald registered just five sacks in 11 games this past season. That came after five consecutive double-digit sack seasons.
- Aaron Donald stats (2014-22): 237 QB hits, 160 tackles for loss, 103 sacks, 24 forced fumbles
Donald is one of the greatest defensive players in modern NFL history. He’s been as dominant as any pass rusher in recent memory.
With that said, there’s a reason why Donald has been linked to retirement. He could very well join others in retiring in the prime of his career. Who could blame the young man?
He’s earned $128 million throughout his career and would like to enjoy post-football life without the aches and pains that go with playing too long in the NFL.
More must-reads: