Part of what made Aaron Donald one of the greatest players of all-time was his accountability and work ethic. He was always the first guy in the gym and the last guy to leave the facility, while also putting in countless hours in the film room each week before a game.
Sean McVay got a firsthand look at Donald’s greatness during their seven years together in Los Angeles, so he saw just how dedicated No. 99 was to being the best ever. And despite being a perennial All-Pro, Donald never acted like he was better than his teammates.
While on Chris Long’s podcast, “Green Light”, McVay shared a hilarious story about the time Donald made the coach fine him for being 30 seconds late to a meeting … because he was in the bathroom.
“I can remember one of the things that epitomizes exactly who he is,” McVay said. “First year, we’re midway through the season. We usually started out the Wednesdays where it’d start with defense while the offense was lifting, so it’s an 8 o’clock meeting. He came in about 30 seconds afterwards and I know he was already in the building doing his normal rhythm and routine and I said, ‘Where were you?’ He says, ‘I was using the bathroom.’ So he’s taking a (expletive), finishing up. I said, ‘All right, well I’m not going to fine you.’ He says, ‘Oh no, you fine me, man. I gotta be accountable for that.’ He made me fine him when he was late for a meeting taking a (expletive).”
Donald always held himself to the highest standards and never took shortcuts. This is just one example of that, albeit an outrageous and hilarious one.
The Rams are going to miss Donald in more ways than one this year and his leadership is certainly among them.
