In addressing the media on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Rams‘ three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron Donald, said retiring from the NFL never crossed his mind this offseason.
“You never want to end your career the way it was last year,” said Donald. “It never really crossed my mind. I was just trying to do everything I could to get myself healthy to be here today.”
That’s good news for Rams fans, who might have wondered whether Donald was headed for retirement when he briefly referred to himself as a “former” NFL defensive lineman in his Twitter bio back in January. Previously, it was reported that Donald had sent retirement paperwork to the Rams during the 2022 offseason. He also said last year that he was prepared to retire if Sean McVay hadn’t returned to coach the team.
Donald, who only played in 11 games last season due to an ankle injury, admitted it was an adjustment. Prior to the ’22 season, Donald hadn’t ever missed more than two games in a season.
“For the first time in my life, I had to deal with a serious injury, but I made a commitment to this organization to do my part,” added Donald.
Due to the Rams’ moving on from key defensive contributors such as Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner and Leonard Floyd, the nine-time Pro Bowler admitted, “The young guys will have to step up.”
Donald appears to relish his role as a vocal leader for a young Rams defense in the midst of transition.
“I feel like I’m going to need to be more vocal. Obviously, you don’t have a Bobby Wagner or Jalen to do it. … We all need somebody to push you at times. If I’m slacking, I want them to let me know I’m slacking so I can pick it up and I can get better. That’s what it’s all about. It’s about holding each other accountable and pushing each other.”
LIVE: #RamsHouse Press Conference - Aaron Donald addresses the media. https://t.co/WyehEXxFm4
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 10, 2023
