Why did Aaron Donald retire? LA Rams’ defensive lineman says goodbye to NFL fans

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has announced his retirement from the NFL after a glittering, 10-season career.

What did Donald say in retirement statement?

In a statement confirming his decision on Friday, Donald hinted that the daily strain of remaining an elite NFL performer had begun to take its toll. “Throughout my career, I have given everything to Football both mentally and physically,” the 32-year-old explained. “365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be.”

He added: “I respected this Game like no other and I’m blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted.”

An illustrious decade in the NFL

Drafted in 2014 by the Rams, who were then based in St Louis, Donald was a key figure in the franchise’s championship-winning season in 2021, which culminated in victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Super Bowl LVI.

Donald was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times - in 2017, 2018 and 2020 - and Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in all 10 of his seasons in the NFL, and received eight first-team All-Pro honours.

Retirement rumours had swirled for two years

Donald’s retirement comes after two years of speculation over his future in the NFL. In September 2022, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that he had submitted a retirement letter to the Rams’ front office that May, Rapoport explaining that the DT felt he “had simply done all he needed to do, accomplished everything he wanted to accomplish”.

The Rams talked Donald out of the decision, Rapoport added, before he signed a three-year, $95m contract extension in June 2022.

Last year, there was renewed speculation that Donald would retire. The veteran told reporters about the “aches and pains” that “last a little longer” at his age, but said the Rams’ poor 2022 season meant he could not bow out on a low note. After winning Super Bowl LVI, the Californian franchise endured a losing season in 2022, missing out on the playoffs with a 5-12 regular-season record.

“You never want to end your career the way it kind of was last year, so [retirement] never really crossed my mind,” Donald said in May 2023.