The Los Angeles Rams made the playoffs in 2024. They even came within a game of the NFC Championship Round. It was a solid season overall, especially considering they lost a franchise legend before the year began. Aaron Donald retired from the NFL after 10 seasons in the league.
Donald ended his career as one of the most dominant pass rushers of all time. He likely has a gold jacket in his future when he’s eligible for the Hall of Fame. Still, some believe the former Rams star could be eyeing a return to the NFL.
Los Angeles Rams Legend Aaron Donald Sparks Comeback Rumors
Donald hasn’t spoken publicly about a possible return. Right now, it seems like the future Hall of Famer is happy with when and how he stepped away. But fans have started to buzz about his intentions.
A video of Donald working out surfaced online, showing him easily chest-pressing 130-pound dumbbells. Many pointed out that he looks like he’s in the best shape of his life. That clip alone has sparked plenty of talk about whether he might come back.
It’s worth remembering this is all just speculation for now. But a few key figures with the Rams have said they’d welcome Donald back with open arms.
“I would almost feel disrespectful reaching out to him, just based on the principles and knowing him the way that I do. If that was something that he got interested in, then that would obviously be something that you’re always open to,” head coach Sean McVay said back in December, via Los Angeles Times reporter Gary Klein.
Former Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp mentioned that Donald still has a locker in the Rams’ facility. Kupp, who recently signed with the Seattle Seahawks, left the door open for a return if Donald wants it. “I’m so happy for him… but if he ever wanted to come back he’s more than welcome,” he told NFL Network reporter Bridget Condon back in May.
General manager Les Snead also appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” last May and talked about a possible playoff return. The Rams pulled off something similar with safety Eric Weddle in 2021, though Snead didn’t sound like he expected Donald to follow suit.
“I doubt Aaron’s going to do that. Aaron’s one of those guys where he’s so principled, he might feel uncomfortable that, ‘You know what, I didn’t go through those other 18 [games] with the guys, I’m not sure I can go through the playoffs with them.’ Not sure. We might tempt him. No breaking news here,” the Rams GM said at the time.
The Rams clearly still value Donald and believe he could still compete at a high level. But they also respect his decision to retire. If he does decide to return, that call will come from Donald — and no one else.
