Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald, one of the best defenders in NFL history, announced his retirement Friday morning. At defensive tackle, Donald spent 10 years in the NFL, all with the Rams, and won a Super Bowl in 2022.
Donald, who will be 33 years old in May, has been a three-time NFL defensive player of the year. He accumulated 111 sacks in 10 seasons for the Rams after he was selected in 13th place in the 2014 draft.
He recorded at least eight sacks in 8 of his 10 seasons, and was one of six unanimous choices for the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
“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,” Donald wrote on X.
“For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level. I’m thankful for the people. I’ve met along the way, the relationships I’ve built and the things.I’ve accomplished with my teammates and individually,” Donald said in a statement.
“I would like to thank St. Louis for the love and support during my first two years in the league as a St. Louis Ram, and through my eight years as a Los Angeles Ram. I would like to thank Los Angeles for the love and support throughout my career as well. California has become home to me and my family, and you all made it extra special,” he added.
“I would like to thank Mr. Kroenke and his family for building an organization that I was blessed to be part of,” he further added.
“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 that made my job smooth. I know I’m going to 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,” he said.
“Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically – 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be. 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,” he said.
“As I turn my focus to a new chapter, I don’t know what the future holds, but I am excited about the off the field possibilities. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric and Aali. The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side, and I can’t wait to watch them live out their dreams just as they watched me live out mine,” he further said.
“We are so grateful for Aaron’s dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past decade,” said Stan Kroenke, the owner and chairman of the Rams.
“He has left his mark on generations of football fans and his accomplishments, coupled with his work ethic and passion, continue to inspire his teammates, coaches and athletes across the globe. 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 part of NFL history as a member of the Rams,” he said.
Rams coach Sean McVay called Donald, “An elite competitor, someone who leads by example in a way that’s authentic to him, and an exceptional teammate who inspires everyone around him to be the best version of themselves.”
“The great players in our league elevate the people around them and Aaron has modeled the way for our team as long as I’ve been with the Rams. He is truly one of one and epitomizes everything that’s right about sports,” McVay said.
“I will forever cherish the memories we’ve made and will always be grateful for how he poured everything into this game and into our team. He’s meant a lot to me personally and to my family,” he added.