Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald appeared to quietly retire as he changed his social media bio - only to change it back shortly after.
Donald is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and heralded by many as perhaps the greatest defensive player in the sport’s history. After helping the Rams clinch their second Super Bowl title and his first, reports emerged suggesting Donald was ready to walk away from the sport.
He decided to stay with the Rams after a deal was struck between the team and Donald’s camp on June 6 2022. He was to receive a $40million raise over three years with no additional years, meaning Donald would earn $95m over three years.
His new average salary placed him atop the market for all defensive players while also granting Donald a two-year commitment to the Rams with the chance to play a third if he so decides. It means Donald - one of the greatest players in NFL history - stayed active, but it appears he is once again weighing up the prospect of retirement.
On Sunday, Donald appeared to be weighing up permanently stepping away from the sport as he edited his Twitter bio. Donald changed his bio to ‘former NFL D linemen for the Rams #99’, with many fans questioning if they will ever see him suit up in the league ever again only for the 31-year-old to change it back.
Under his adjusted contract terms, the Rams have the right to cut Donald ahead of the 2024 season. If he is on the roster in that season, Donald will receive $35m while he is guaranteed $28.5m in 2023.
It means Donald would be walking away from $63.5m (£49m) if he decided to retire this offseason. It’s a lot of money, but Donald may have other priorities given his career earnings paired with the fact he finally became a champion last season.
Ever since he was selected by the Rams in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Donald has been a revelation. He has been named to the Pro Bowl in each season of his nine-year career and won the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award on three occasions.
Donald is a gameplay-wrecking interior phenom unlike the sport has ever seen. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players of all time, with many clamouring over his unique combination of explosive power and unbelievable agility for a man that stands 6ft 1ins and 127kg.
Many believe his ability places among the pantheon of the greatest players in NFL history, which is why Rams fans - as well as most followers of the NFL in general - would be sad to see Donald walk away when he is still clearly so productive and effective.
