Super Bowl champion Aaron Donald RETIRES from the NFL: LA Rams tackle is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in history
- Aaron Donald is hanging up his cleats after a storied decade in the NFL
- The defensive tackle is a surefire Hall of Famer if he is eligible in five years
- ‘DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
LA Rams star Aaron Donald has announced his retirement after a stellar ten-year career.
After being selected No. 13 overall in 2014, the defensive tackle earned eight All-Pro selections, three AP Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl ring in 2022 as LA defeated the Bengals.
He’s only the second DT ever to reach 100 sacks (111 total), one of the best defensive players ever and a surefire Hall of Famer if he’s eligible.
On I want to thank the Rams and all the fans for your support over the past 10 years. Lots of love.’
In the statement he said: “I have been fortunate enough to play football at the highest level for ten years. I am grateful for the people I have met along the way, the relationships I have built and the things I have accomplished with my teammates and individually.”
Aaron Donald has announced his retirement after a Hall of Fame-worthy NFL career
The Rams shared a humorous tribute to Donald, who finished his career with 111 sacks
Donald then thanked the cities of St. Louis (where he started his career before the Rams moved) and Los Angeles, as well as owner Stan Kroenke.
He continued, “There are far too many people in the organization to thank specifically, but I will never forget the relationships. I appreciate everyone on the field, off the field and behind the scenes who made my job smooth. I know I will miss my teammates and the camaraderie we had in the building, as well as the coaches who will continue to have a lasting impact on me.
‘Throughout my career I have given everything to football, both mentally and physically; 365 days a year I worked to become the best possible player I could be. I respected this game like no other and I am blessed to finish my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me.
“There aren’t many people who get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I don’t take that for granted, and I won’t.
“As I shift my focus to a new chapter, I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m excited about the possibilities off the field. I look forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica, and my children, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric and Aali. The biggest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side, and I can’t wait to see them make our dreams come true, just like they’ve seen me make mine come true.”
The Rams honored Donald with a series of messages, calling him “the best to ever do it” and sharing a tribute from Kroenke.
“It is a privilege to have witnessed one of the greatest players of all time and we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be a part of NFL history as a member of the Rams,” Kroenke wrote.
Donald’s teammate Cooper Kupp also said: ‘Grateful to have been able to watch, learn from and play with one of the best players ever. I appreciate you @AaronDonald97! Whatever you want to do next, have pity on whoever has to stand in line across from you!’
The team also shared an image of the player with the words “Quarterbacks Rejoice,” a humorous nod to the way Donald victimized passersby during his ten-year career.
Now former NFC West Kyler Murray supported that idea, writing: Honored to have competed against the best of all time! @AaronDonald97. Enjoy your retirement and (please) don’t come back.’