Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald has announced his retirement from the NFL.
Donald made the announcement on his X account on Friday.
“For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level,” Donald said in a statement. “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.”
The 32-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Pittsburgh, was selected by the Rams with the 13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
“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,” Donald continued. “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.”
Donald made the Pro Bowl in all 10 of his NFL seasons, earning eight First-Team All-Pro selections along the way. He won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times.
“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,” Donald wrote. “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.”
The future Hall-of-Famer’s best season came in 2018, when he racked up a league-leading 20.5 sacks to go along with 59 tackles, four forced fumbles and a couple of fumble recoveries.
“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,” Donald concluded. “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.”
Of course, Donald’s most memorable moment as a professional football player came in February 2022, when he helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl championship.
Aaron Donald retires with 111 sacks to his name.
One day, he will be enshrined in Canton.
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