Thousand Oaks, California – Marking the conclusion of an era defined by dominance.
On Friday, Aaron Donald, the Rams’ defensive tackle, declared his retirement from the NFL, signaling the end of a highly distinguished career that has left an indelible mark on both the franchise and the league.
Aaron Donald Officially Retires from NFL
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Aaron for his unwavering commitment to excellence and his leadership both on and off the field over the past decade,” remarked Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. “He has etched an enduring legacy in the hearts of football fans spanning generations. His accomplishments, alongside his relentless work ethic and unwavering passion, remain a beacon of inspiration for his teammates.” coaches, and athletes worldwide. It has been an honor to witness the career of one of the greatest players of all time, and we take immense pride in Aaron Donald’s enduring legacy as a Rams legend in NFL history.”
Aaron Donald, a recipient of three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and a champion of Super Bowl LVI, bids farewell to the game after an illustrious tenure that saw him amass 111 sacks in 10 seasons. With a consistent performance, Donald achieved eight or more sacks in 80% of his seasons and secured a spot as one of six unanimous selections for the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
In a testament to his unmatched prowess, Donald became the fastest defensive tackle to reach 100 career sacks during Week 3 of the 2022 season. Only Hall of Famer John Randle, with 137.5 sacks, stands alongside Donald as a member of the exclusive 100-plus sacks club predominantly as a defensive tackle since sacks were officially tracked in 1982.
Donald’s impact extends beyond personal records, as he shattered the Rams’ career sacks record in 2021 and set a single-season franchise record with 20.5 sacks in 2018, a feat that also stood as an NFL single-season record for a defensive tackle.
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Throughout his career, Donald showcased his dominance with double-digit sack totals in six seasons, including an impressive five-year streak from 2017 to 2021. His stellar performance earned him Pro Bowl nods in all 10 seasons, along with seven consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections from 2015 to 2021 and an additional recognition in 2023. Notably, he was honored as the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Donald’s impact resonated in the community through various initiatives in the Los Angeles area, including involvement with the Watts Rams and character development sessions with Operation Progress. His commitment to philanthropy extended to his hometown of Pittsburgh through AD99 Solutions, aiming to empower under-resourced youth academically, socially, and athletically.
Head coach Sean McVay reflected on Donald’s unparalleled contributions, noting his exceptional leadership, competitiveness, and authenticity, which inspired those around him to reach their fullest potential. General manager Les Snead aptly summarized Donald’s legacy, affirming that there will never be another like him.
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