Aaron Donald Retires But He Has Things To Do, Like Head To Hall Of Fame

Two dates Los Angeles Rams fans will remember: Today, March 15, 2024 because Aaron Donald has just announced he is retiring and that means one of the franchise's all time greats is done playing. And five years from now, when Donald is selected as a first-ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

That's how seismic the early afternoon announcement from one of the NFL's greatest truly is.

"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 in his farewell published on social media. "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."

A Solemn Farewell By Aaron Donald

Donald, 33 in May, accomplished a lot in his 10 seasons. A lot.

He won defensive rookie of the year right out of the career gates in 2014. He was the NFL defensive player of the year three times. He was an All Pro – not Pro Bowler, which is a lesser distinction – eight times in 10 years. And the two years he wasn't All Pro was his rookie season when he was still making his reputation and in 2022 when he was injured.

Donald finishes his career with 111 sacks, so he averaged double-digit sacks in his career. The total is top 40 all time but, remember, Donald was a defensive tackle by trade. He sometimes rushed from the edge, but that wasn't it. He led the NFL with 20.5 sacks in 2018 playing right defensive tackle for the Rams.

Donald collected his sacks despite consistent and sometimes eye-popping attention from offensive coaches and offensive linemen. He was double-teamed on practically every play – run or pass. 

And sometimes he faced something more significant than double-teams.

A Player Other Teams Had To Account For

The biggest statement of respect for the player Donald was?

That came almost immediately from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who has spent his career in the NFC West trying to keep Donald from breaking him in half. This was Murray's reaction to the Donald retirement:

"Thank God," he said followed by some smiley face emojis and a salute emoji.

Donald collected 260 quarterback hits in his career.

But that doesn't say it all. 

Donald probably will not go down as the greatest player of all time. He's not a quarterback. And he didn't win seven Super Bowls like Tom Brady.

Aaron Donald discusses decision to not retire. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Aaron Donald Among The Greats

But among the greatest defenders of all time? Among the greatest players in Rams history?

He's in the company of Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis, Reggie White and others.

And among Rams greats, he's right there with Merlin Olsen, Deacon Jones, Eric Dickerson, Jackie Slater and Norm Van Brocklin.

These are obviously not any sort of official lists. This is not really official. This is:

The Rams lost their best player on Friday. There is no arguing that.