Aaron Donald is walking away from the NFL on his terms, as a son-to-be legendary defensive end.
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Donald, 32, announced on social media that he is retiring after 10 years, all with the Los Angeles Rams. (His first two seasons were in St. Louis.)
"Cheers to what's next," Donald wrote on X, formerly Twitter, above his official announcement. "Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support over these last 10 years. Much love."
Donald made the Pro Bowl in each of his 10 seasons. That is what's known as dominance from the defensive end position.
He also was a Super Bowl champion and named All-Pro eight times.
"Donald's greatest NFL moment occurred on the game's biggest stage. Trailing in the second half of Super Bowl LVI, his hit on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow on a running play seemed to change the complexion of the game," wrote Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports. "Donald sacked Burrow twice in the game and his pressure on Burrow on the Bengals' final offensive snap forced a game-sealing incomplete pass."
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. 🍾🙏🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/edGxkUYdLz
— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) March 15, 2024
Without question, Donald will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton the very moment he becomes eligible.
"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," he 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 Rams also announced his retirement with a special video entitled, "Legends Live Forever."
