Aaron Donald, former defensive lineman for the Los Angeles Rams, announced his retirement from football after 10 seasons in the NFL.
In a video shared on social media, Donald stated that he no longer feels the passion to play the game and is burnt out.
Aaron Donald opens up about retirement: "I'm burnt out"https://t.co/LT0oT9pedx pic.twitter.com/TUIgMawyPF
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 22, 2024
At 32 years old, he believes it’s time to move on to the next step in his career and life.
Donald is regarded as one of the most dominant players in NFL history. He earned numerous accolades during his career, including being named the Defensive Player of the Year three times and earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro berths in all 10 seasons.
He also played a crucial role in helping the Rams win their first Super Bowl in 22 years during the 2021 season.
Although Donald considered retirement after the Super Bowl, he ultimately signed a new contract with the Rams in the 2022 offseason. He retired with 111 career sacks in 154 appearances.
Donald expressed his satisfaction with his accomplishments in his career, including Pro Bowl appearances, All-Pro selections, NFC Championships, and Super Bowl victories.
He believes he has nothing else to prove and looks forward to being inducted into the Hall of Fame in five years.
coming soon 🎬 #rams #ad99 #ready #retirement #ddg pic.twitter.com/ozh8QDs0j7
— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) March 20, 2024
Throughout his career, Donald faced the physical demands of football, battling multiple blockers and enduring grueling games.
His decision to retire is not surprising considering the toll it takes on his body and the dedication required to maintain his peak performance.
Aaron Donald has announced his retirement from the NFL, citing fatigue from the demanding season. However, he feels content with his accomplishments over the past 10 seasons.
Donald quietly revealed his decision in a video and statement on March 15.
Speculation arose prior to Super Bowl 56 that Donald would retire if the Los Angeles Rams won, and they did.
Nevertheless, he returned after agreeing to a restructured deal, becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league.
Despite a challenging 2022 season plagued by injuries, Donald never considered retirement as he didn’t want to end his career on a low note.
Returning in 2023 proved successful, with Donald performing exceptionally well.
He made significant contributions to the team, and the Rams secured a playoff spot. Over the span of his career, Donald’s achievements have been remarkable, including Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro first-team honors, and three Defensive Player of the Year titles.
Cheers to what’s next. Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support over these last 10 years. Much love. 🍾🙏🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/edGxkUYdLz
— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) March 15, 2024
Additionally, his 111 sacks place him at the top of the league since 2014. Khalil Mack is the only other player with over 100 sacks during this period.
10x Pro Bowler
8x All-Pro
3x Defensive Player of the Year
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Super Bowl champWhat a career, 99 👏 pic.twitter.com/SXZDx3GmUG
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) March 15, 2024
Aaron Donald’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious career and paves the way for the next phase in his life and professional journey.
Fans reacted as follows.
He’s been doing it a long time. Take it easy now big fella!!!
— Stevo – Stocks and Cards – (@Stevo_12) March 22, 2024
Love you Aaron, appreciate all you did for the Organization. Enjoy retirement champ 💍 🏆
— HoldenCantor (@HoldenCantor) March 21, 2024
So happy for you Aaron! Go enjoy that beautiful family GOAT 💙💛
— jay__D (@ProminentKingz) March 20, 2024
It was one of the great privileges of my life to watch Aaron Donald @AaronDonald97 go to battle for us every Sunday! Thank you is not enough! Wishing you the best.
— Daniel Bejarano (@Chefdannyb28) March 20, 2024
“EVERY QB’s NIGHTMARE” should be the TITLE 🐐🐐
— Ultra (@UltraTV90) March 21, 2024
AD thank you for everything you did for the Rams and the city of LA. Nothing left to prove to any 1
— RAF❕ (@LIVINPRSTG) March 21, 2024
Was an honor to watch you work on Sundays. Legend
— Moosey (@0nlyMeez) March 21, 2024
Appreciate all you done bro #PittsburghProud #HomewoodProud
— Maurice Ransome (@moeransome) March 21, 2024
It happens to the great player DT Aaron Donald on retirement after 10 seasons in the NFL: "I’m burnt out"
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) March 21, 2024
You deserve your rest…..no one has the right to take that from you.
— Silentone (@Silentone_P99) March 20, 2024
Fuck it feels like it was just announced again 😢😢 you are the fucking GOAT ily 99
— C (@Chrispyyy_95) March 20, 2024
My absolute favorite player of all time! Thank you!😉🤘🏻👊🏻
— scott eubanks (@scotteubanks18) March 20, 2024
#complete love that you're from the Burgh and will go down as one of if not the best DE of all time! Congrats and good luck with your future!
— Marty (@BlknGold29) March 21, 2024
Greatest to ever do it at your position… you'll be truly missed…thank you for what you have done for the game…10 years of greatness…enjoy retirement 99
— beardmamba (@fstlouis86) March 21, 2024
Congratulations on an amazing career Aaron. Pleasure me to watch you play and control the line of scrimmage.
It’s amazing to see teams game plan against you and see you wreck it up.
Looking forward to your speech in Canton
— tormike (@tormikes) March 20, 2024
Dam man AD it looks like you been really thinking about this u look so relaxed but a little sad. Brother u my dude I'm down with u like 4 flat tires god bless. I'm still rocking all your jersey. The greatest ram of all time
It hurts me because you are the rams. pic.twitter.com/4kne6igJes— Kevin Tate (@Swolls88) March 22, 2024
He’s 1 of the Greatest defensive players ever! We’ll miss you number 99! Enjoy that retirement that you definitely have earned! Horns up!
Let’s Go Rams! 🐏— Rhino80 (@rhinosirles) March 20, 2024
Aaron Donald is priceless.. I enjoyed watching u beat the crap out of my Cardinals. I hope to see you and JJ Watt side by side breaking down OFFENSES for us next season on the sidelines… good luck 🍀 enjoy retirement.. “Out of Phoenix)
— Christian Rouse (@ChristianRouse2) March 21, 2024
LOVE THIS MAN, HIS HONESTY AND HUMILITY IS SUCH A JOY TO HEAR…SUPERBOWL CHAMPION!!#RAMSFANSINCE69
— Donato Johnson (@graywolf0160) March 21, 2024
Is Aaron Donald the best defensive tackle ever?
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) March 15, 2024
The greatest player ever.
— Maurice perry (@Shyne235) March 15, 2024
1,300 choke holds
— AZ fandom (I know. idk why either) (@theseeker909) March 15, 2024
