Eric Weddle shares warnings, advice for Aaron Donald about potential comeback

Defensive superstar Aaron Donald seems to be seriously considering coming out of retirement to play for the Los Angeles Rams at some point during the upcoming season after the Rams acquired two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. 

Safety Eric Weddle retired for the first time after the 2020 season, but he then came out of retirement in January 2022 and ultimately earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Rams. During a recent chat with NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Weddle touched upon some of the challenges Donald would face if the future Hall of Famer attempted to play for the first time since he retired following the 2023 season.

Will Aaron Donald find the "fire" to return to Rams?

"It's just a lot," Weddle said about making a comeback. "I just think from experience, you get comfortable in what you're doing. [Donald is] still obviously training like a madman — I wasn't training like that or even working out to that extent, it was more so to just feel good. But he still is pushing around a lot of weight, and it really comes down to the commitment and the fire, if you have it or not. And only he knows that. But if he does, if this does light something in him? When does he come back? Does he want to do the whole season? Does he want to do half?"

Pat McAfee shared last week that Donald said via a text message that he needed to see "if that fire can light back up" before he committed to making any kind of comeback. Donald almost certainly would have to shake off some rust to once again make an impact during meaningful games. 

As Weddle noted, Donald returning to the Rams could create somewhat of an awkward situation inside the locker room. 

"Then it's the dynamics of the team and the D-line," Weddle continued. "And obviously they're going to welcome him in, but still that's going to be tough on some guys, like they're going to lose playing time there. Are they going to be OK with that? It's going to be three years from when he last played. So there are just a lot of different dynamics."

Aaron Donald has to ask himself the obvious question about a possible return

A recent report indicated that the Rams "would keep the door ajar for Donald to return at any point it made sense." Thus, he could remain unsigned through part or even most of the 2026 regular season. 

Weddle said he is certain Donald "could go play right now" if the 35-year-old wanted to. 

"It's just whether he wants to or not," Weddle continued. "I think ultimately that’s up to him." 

Weddle also said that making his return was "a thousand percent" worth all that he endured. As of the second Monday of June, one can only guess if Donald will feel the same way before the next Super Bowl is played.