Nick Bosa makes surprising admission about Aaron Donald’s retirement

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for their Week 3 tilt with the Los Angeles Rams, they won’t have to game plan for three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald for the first time in a decade.

Donald, who is arguably the greatest defensive tackle of all time, retired following the 2023 season after 10 Pro Bowls, eight First Team All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl championship.

But in walking away seemingly still in his prime, he earned the respect of many of his peers, including 49ers edge-rusher Nick Bosa, who recently admitted to NBC Sports Bay Area that he admired the way Donald left the sport.

“[He was] dominant,” Bosa said. “And he did it the right way. He was the best in the game for 10 years, then [he] called it out — got out healthy. And that’s what everybody’s dream is. It’s been fun to watch him. We’re glad we don’t have to play him anymore.”

It appears Donald is content with his decision to retire.

A video recently made the rounds on social media giving a glimpse into Donald’s post-football life, in which he was seen napping during an NFL game while his wife jokingly asked if he was planning on coming out of retirement. 

Donald appeared to be comatose with a game playing in the background, giving an emphatic answer.