(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: The Los Angeles Rams announced that their future Pro Football Hall of Fame recipient, the 8 year-All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowl selection, and Superbowl 56 Champion, defensive left tackle, Aaron Donald, has decided to retire, thus ending his illustrious NFL career with the team. Read much more in the complete press announcement that has been issued by the Rams.
LOS ANGELES RAMS DEFENSIVE TACKLE AARON DONALD ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Los Angeles Rams All-Pro Defensive Tackle AARON DONALD has announced his retirement.
Donald was a three-time AP 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 illustrious 10-year NFL career.
According to Pro Football Reference, Donald finished his career ranked third all-time in tackles for loss and 28th all-time in sacks. He is currently first in franchise history in tackles for loss, second in forced fumbles, and third in sacks. Donald also ranks first all-time in pressures, hurries, and ranks second in quarterback hits, according to TruMedia. His 154 regular season games played in a Rams uniform are the 21st-most in franchise history. Donald was a member of the Rams team that played in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium and recorded the iconic, game-sealing defensive stop that brought a championship to Los Angeles.
“We are so grateful for Aaron’s dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past decade,” said Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. “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.”
He appeared in 154 career regular season games (150 starts) and recorded 543 tackles (340 solo), 111.0 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, 790 pressures, 256 quarterback hits, 525 hurries, 24 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and 21 passes defended. Donald also appeared in 11 postseason games, including two Super Bowls, and notched 34 tackles (19 solo), 6.0 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 51 pressures, 16 quarterback hits, 34 hurries and one pass defended.
“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,” said Head Coach Sean McVay. “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 as 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.”
“There will never be another Aaron Donald,” said General Manager Les Snead
Throughout Donald’s NFL career, he was closely involved in various community efforts in Los Angeles ranging from engagements with the Watts Rams, character development sessions with Operation Progress, WalkUnited LA with United Way of Greater Los Angeles to combat homelessness, and much more. He also has given back to youth in his hometown of Pittsburgh through AD99 Solutions, which aims to change the trajectory of under-resourced youth by providing education and resources in supportive environments to empower young individuals academically, socially, and athletically.
–RAMS–
