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Aaron Donald Announces Retirement from the NFL
In his first interview since announcing his retirement from the NFL, former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald expressed his peace with the decision, emphasizing that he is leaving the league on his own terms. Donald, a decorated player with a distinguished career, shared his sentiments with his wife, Erica, conveying that the passion for the game has waned for him.
Reflecting on his resignation, Donald articulated, “I’m complete. I’m full. I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me.” He added, “I will always love football, but to think about going through another camp and another 17-game season, I just don’t have the urge to want to push myself to do that anymore.”
Throughout his illustrious 10-season tenure in the NFL, Donald amassed an impressive array of accolades, including three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight first-team All-Pro recognitions, and ten Pro Bowl selections. Notably, he clinched the title of 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year, solidifying his position as one of the premier defensive players in the league.
His retirement announcement on March 15 marked the end of an era in which he accumulated 111 sacks, securing the second-highest position among primary defensive tackles in terms of career sacks since the statistic’s inception in 1982. Furthermore, Donald holds the prestigious distinction of being the Rams’ franchise record holder for career sacks.
Despite his exceptional achievements on the field, Donald emphasized his sense of fulfillment, stating, “I accomplished everything and more than I even thought was possible.” His reflections encompassed the evolution of his aspirations from a desire to excel as a defensive tackle to being hailed as the best defensive player in the NFL.
Donald’s decision to retire was not impulsive, as he disclosed that he had contemplated the notion on previous occasions. Following the Rams’ victory in Super Bowl LVI, Donald drafted a retirement letter set to take effect in May 2022, only to retract it after conversing with head coach Sean McVay.
Envisioning the future of the Rams post-retirement, Donald expressed optimism regarding the team’s potential for success, affirming, “To leave the team how I’m leaving the team, in good hands with great young guys that’s going to do some great things for the organization, make it even that much better for me to know I ain’t leaving it in a bad condition.” Despite stepping back from professional play, Donald declared his intention to remain engaged as a devoted supporter of the team.
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