The Los Angeles Rams had one of the best defensive players in NFL history, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who retired after winning the Super Bowl in the 2023 season to call it a career on top. Throughout his career, he spent all 10 seasons in the NFL with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams.
The middle of the defensive line has been a work in progress since interior offensive linemen are not living in constant fear of facing him. However, he discussed how he feels about whether he wants to come out of retirement or has any passion to put back on his pads and cleats.
Aaron Donald Discusses Not Missing the NFL After Retiring
While appearing on the “Panthers Insiders Show with Pat Bostick” on May 17, Donald discussed how he does not long to get back on the field after retirement.
“As far as playing football, I don’t miss it. I don’t even have the passion or excitement to want to play football. I will always love football, but once you lose the passion, it was time to walk away.”
Despite not missing playing football, he is still excited to be honored with the Pitt Hall of Fame induction.
“I worked my ass off to put myself in the position today to do things like this now. It truly is special. It’s emotional and I get to share these moments with my family, my kids. I always set goals for myself to do so many special things, but just putting the body of work in and really putting the time in and really working my behind off. I surpassed anything that I thought was possible by putting the body of work in.”
Donald was one of the most feared defensive tackles in NFL history, as the 13th pick of the 2014 NFL Draft finished his career with eight All-Pros, 10 Pro Bowls, three Defensive Player of the Year Awards, and a Super Bowl. In college, he won the 2013 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Award and was named an All-American.
Los Angeles could certainly use him back at the defensive tackle position to help coach Sean McVay in the trenches, as the team finished 24th last season with a 69.9 Defense+ grade. While it appears he will not be planning a return to the National Football League in 2025, the 33-year-old is happily retired and ready to move on to the next stage of his life.