Current:Home > StocksAaron Donald, Rams great and three-time NFL Defensive Player of Year, retires at 32 -Ascend Wealth Education
Aaron Donald, Rams great and three-time NFL Defensive Player of Year, retires at 32
View
Date:2025-04-18 19:36:35
Aaron Donald, one of the best players in the Los Angeles Rams' franchise history, is walking away from football.
Donald, 32, announced his retirement on Friday after 10 NFL seasons, all with the Rams.
“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,” Donald said Friday on social media. “Much love.”
Donald retires as a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, an eight-time All-Pro, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, a Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Super Bowl champion during his Hall of Fame-worthy career. He’s regarded as one of the best interior linemen in NFL history.
The game-wrecking defensive lineman flirted with retirement last offseason but decided to return to Los Angeles for what turned out to be his final season in a Rams uniform.
All things Rams: Latest Los Angeles Rams news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
"We are so grateful for Aaron’s dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past decade,” Rams owner Stanley Kroenke said in a statement. “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.”
Donald amassed 543 tackles, 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, 24 forced fumbles and 21 passes defended in 154 career regular-season games. He’s the Rams’ all-time leader in career sacks and ranks 28th in NFL history in the category.
“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,” Rams coach Sean McVay said in a statement. “He’s 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. As great of a player he is, he’s an even better person. He is truly one of one and epitomizes everything that’s right about sports. 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.”
veryGood! (1)
Related
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- NHL draft winners, losers: Surprise pick's priceless reaction, Celine Dion highlight Day 1
- Teen shot and killed by police in upstate New York, authorities say
- 2 giant pandas arrive at San Diego Zoo from China
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Major brands scaled back Pride Month campaigns in 2024. Here's why that matters.
- Taylor Swift plays song for eighth time during acoustic set in Dublin
- Heatstroke is a real risk for youth athletes. Here's how to keep them safe in the summer
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Second U.S. service member in months charged with rape in Japan's Okinawa: We are outraged
Ranking
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Dakota Johnson Joins Chris Martin's Kids Apple and Moses at Coldplay's Glastonbury Set
- How ratings for first presidential debate of 2024 compare with past debates
- 4 killed after law enforcement pursuit ends in crash; driver suspected of DUI
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Massive roof section at Delhi international airport collapses in storm, crushing cars and killing one driver
- Bardet wins hot and hilly opening Tour de France stage in Italy while Cavendish struggles
- Severe storm floods basements of Albuquerque City Hall and Police Department
Recommendation
From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
Alaska Supreme Court overturns lower court and allows correspondence school law to stand
Inside the Real Love Lives of Bridgerton Stars
Alec Baldwin headed to trial after judge rejects motion to dismiss charge
Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
Republican JD Vance journeys from ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ memoirist to US senator to VP contender
The Daily Money: Still no relief at the supermarket
Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet Step Out Together for the First Time in Months