Just when everyone thought Aaron Donald’s NFL career was finished, the door suddenly appears to be open again.
The Los Angeles Rams are waiting to see whether their legendary defensive tackle will come out of retirement, and head coach Sean McVay certainly isn’t doing anything to quiet the speculation.
According to ESPN, McVay said Thursday that he still doesn’t have an answer regarding whether Donald will return this season. However, McVay did reveal that Donald recently worked out for the Rams — and apparently looked pretty impressive doing it.
McVay said Donald “looked outstanding” during the workout.
That’s about all Rams fans needed to hear.
Donald retired following the 2023 season after putting together one of the greatest defensive careers in NFL history. He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, made the Pro Bowl in all 10 of his NFL seasons and helped Los Angeles win Super Bowl LVI.
Now, more than two years after walking away, the possibility of Donald putting the pads back on suddenly feels much more realistic.
And if he does return, this isn’t some random veteran trying to squeeze one final season out of his career. We’re talking about Aaron Donald.
Even if the 35-year-old isn’t the same unstoppable force who terrorized offensive lines during his prime, adding him to a Rams defense for a potential Super Bowl run would immediately become one of the biggest stories of the NFL season.
Los Angeles isn’t exactly hiding its interest, either. Donald has worked out for the team, McVay is publicly praising how he looked, and now everyone is waiting for the final decision.
Maybe Donald ultimately decides retirement is where he wants to stay.
But the fact that we’re even having this conversation should have the rest of the NFC paying attention.
Aaron Donald might not be finished just yet.
