
Getty Image / Ronald Martinez
- Ahead of the Super Bowl, there were rumors swirling that Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald would retire if the Rams won the title
- Aaron Donald was asked about his plans for the future after the game and his answer left fans questioning his future
- Read more NFL articles on BroBible here
The Los Angeles Rams won Super Bowl LVI after a 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford to Cooper Kupp with less than 90 seconds left in the game. Kupp would be named Super Bowl MVP but LA Rams DT Aaron Donald had as much of an impact on the game as anyone with his two sacks and two tackles for loss. And he batted down Joe Burrow’s final pass of the game to seal the victory for the Rams.
Going into the game, there were rumors that Aaron Donald would retire if the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl because there was nothing left for him to achieve in the game. He is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and now a Super Bowl champion. Aaron has also earned $97,114,238 in salary alone (not including endorsements). What’s left, right? Here’s a mention of it from before the game:
Rodney Harrison just said on NBC’s pregame show that Aaron Donald told him there’s a strong possibility he could retire if the #Rams win the Super Bowl. Video is below: pic.twitter.com/tIhAzQCwWv
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 13, 2022
In the press conference after the game, USA Today reporter Joe Curley asked Aaron Donald about his future and if retirement was an option. Instead of ignoring the question entirely, Donald have an answer that only raised more questions.
Aaron Donald Responds To Reporter’s Question About Retirement
Aaron Donald on the reports he may retire if the Rams win today, “I’m just on the moment… I’m going to enjoy this with my teammates and my family for a couple days, how about that?”@usatodaynfl pic.twitter.com/kONcYnRpzP
— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) February 14, 2022
I’m not sure these are the words of a guy on the verge of retirement nor does it sound like someone who is committed to playing next season:
“I’m just in the moment right now. I’m going to enjoy this with my teammates, with my family, and I’m just going to be in the moment and enjoy this today, or for a couple of days, how about that? It’s a blessing.”
This second quote is pretty telling about how Aaron Donald believes he’s already surpassed every goal he had coming into the NFL. These are the words of a man who feels fulfilled.
Aaron Donald admitted he has surpassed even his own goals that he set for himself when he came into the league. “To be here right now, to be able to look back at things I’ve been able to accomplish is truly a blessing,” he said. pic.twitter.com/kYfiGaw30W
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) February 14, 2022
Los Angeles Rams fans are thankful for Aaron’s contributions and it seems like many on social media are bracing for a possible retirement from Donald.
Rams Fans React To Donald’s Comments About Retirement And Fulfillment
AD still has a good five years of him left. I hope he doesn’t retire. Whitworth feels like he will for sure though like he’s 40 and going out on top against his former team that low balled him would be a great way to go out.
— Dylan Frendlich (@DyFrex___) February 14, 2022
Yeah. I think he just in his feels right now. Give it like a month for him to get back to reality lol. Can’t see him giving up that moola
— Macs Helmet (@meeher128) February 14, 2022
Sounds good until he realizes how much $ he’d have to give back to the Rams + how much money they’d still be paying him to play football next year.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) February 13, 2022
I’m not a Rams fan, but the game just won’t feel the same without AD. I hope he doesn’t walk away after this. I hope he can at LEAST give us 2 more years–at LEAST
— Mr. Blackwell (@Mr_Blackwell_22) February 14, 2022
First a non-denial of the retirement report. And then Aaron Donald says he’s achieved more than he ever thought was possible in his NFL career. 🤔 @usatodaynfl https://t.co/qg9QpTK897
— Joe Curley (@vcsjoecurley) February 14, 2022
Russell Wilson rn pic.twitter.com/87qbsK9eai
— Zuko Samba (@ZukoSamba) February 13, 2022
Rams fans rn pic.twitter.com/whtJfcDHj0
— Terry Forever (@TrMcLaur1n17) February 13, 2022
Aaron Donald was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He was Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014 and has won three DPOY awards since then. He’s an 8-time Pro Bowler. The NFL will not be the same without him if he does decide to retire.