After Aaron Donald Retires From The NFL, What’s Next For The Future Hall Of Famer?

After 10 years in the NFL, one of the greatest players in football history has called it a career.

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald announced his retirement last Friday, ending a dominant 10-year run that saw him make the Pro Bowl in every season and win a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021. He finished his time in the NFL with 111 sacks, the second most for a defensive tackle in history. He is expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when eligible.

Donald announced his retirement on social media, writing in an Instagram post: “Cheers to what’s next. Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all the fans for your support over the last 10 years. Much love.” The video that accompanied the statement showed highlights of Donald’s career, from when he was first drafted in the 2014 draft to some of his most exciting sacks and defensive plays.

Donald seemed to tease retirement after the Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI two seasons ago. However, he chose to stick around, despite Los Angeles missing the playoffs in 2022 and barely making it last season.

Many celebrities and athletes on X congratulated Donald for an amazing career, including Magic Johnson, Jalen Ramsey, Cooper Kupp and LeBron James. 

Donald in his rookie season recorded nine sacks and 37 solo tackles, a sign of great things to come for the University of Pittsburgh alum. He arguably had his best season in 2018, posting an incredible 20.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 59 total tackles and appearing in his first Super Bowl with the Rams. The team lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII by a score of 13-3.

Over the weekend, Donald made another post on Instagram, announcing that he is conducting a retirement interview that will be posted at an unspecified date. One of the greatest football players in history seems to have a lot on his mind as he ends his decade-long tenure with the Rams, the only team he has ever known.