Aaron Donald cemented himself, throughout a decade-long career, as one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the NFL. A three-time Defensive Player of the Year, he was instrumental in making the Los Angeles Rams a perennial playoff threat and was the backbone of their run to Super Bowl 56.
However, soon after that triumph, he called an end to his career, retiring at the end of the 2023 season. Even though he played for a relatively short amount of time, his status as one of the all-time greats was set in stone. But, there are some rumblings in the fanbase, after he made an appearance in Los Angeles during training camp, about a potential return to the gridiron.
Fans Still Hopeful About Aaron Donald Unretiring
A first-round draft pick in 2014, Donald put a bow on a legendary career with virtually no blemishes on his name. An eight-time All-Pro selection, he was elected to the Pro Bowl in every season of his career.
Starting as the ‘Defensive Rookie of the Year,’ he would accumulate the DPOY crown thrice in the league, including back-to-back victories in 2017 and 2018. Since his departure, the Rams have been looking for a new lynchpin to their defense.
While they have yet to replace him, the unit saw some growth last season, particularly with the addition of rookie standout Jared Verse. However, despite the bright future, the fanbase isn’t ready to move on from Donald yet.
With players like Rob Gronkowski and Tom Brady coming back for a second swansong in recent years, Donald’s appearance at training camp sparked immediate conversation among the Los Angeles faithful. His incredible fitness was immediately on full display.
As a result, one fan remarked, “First guy to get bigger after retiring.” However, he wasn’t the only one to notice the mountain of a man. Others went a step further with their analysis. Comments like “He still looks like he’s in football shape, wtf” were commonplace across X.
The man could still suit up.
— Michael Rodnick (@MJRodnick) August 3, 2025
As a result, some argued, “That man could still suit up.” Others believed it wouldn’t even be just one season, as at 34, Donald still had years on his legs to potentially contribute. “bro look like he could still play for a few more years honestly.”
bro look like he could still play for a few more years honestly
— Mark マーク (@brennusbeats) August 3, 2025
But for others, the more immediate thing to notice was the talent he could still possess. A few fans believed going back to his All-Pro levels wouldn’t take Donald even a bit of time. “Just letting everyone know he could throw some pads on tm and be all pro.”
Just letting everyone know he could throw some pads on tm and be all pro
— DTS (@DTSbaseball) August 3, 2025
However, a channel as reputable as Prize Picks even joined in on the speculation. They went so far as to say that, even a year removed from retirement, he could still return as the best defender in football. “he could suit up right now and be the best in the league still.”
he could suit up right now and be the best in the league still
— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) August 3, 2025
One fan went so far as to guarantee it. “He’s gonna play again watch,” was the promise. But it isn’t as far-fetched as it seems at face value. After all, it is a conversation that the Rams themselves have already entertained.
He’s gonna play again watch
— 𝟐𝟑 (@BronWorld) August 3, 2025
Shortly after his retirement, general manager Les Snead made it clear that the door was always open for Donald to come back. Pointing to a potential run as a playoffs-only contributor, he even revealed that the two had conversations about the future Hall of Famer making a return.
This is a situation that will only happen if it happens. But for NFL fans, and especially the Los Angeles Rams, it is a dream scenario that would instantly catapult them up the standings.
