# Aaron Donald retires, then teeters on comeback as Rams weigh his return *Defensive tackle Aaron Donald announced his retirement in March 2024 after ten seasons and 111 sacks, but by mid-2026 he was working out at the Rams facility and coach Sean McVay said the decision remains unsettled.* **Section:** Sports **Tags:** Sports, News, Aaron-donald, Los-angeles-rams, Nfl-retirement, Comeback-rumors **Reading time:** 3 min Aaron Donald, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year who anchored the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line for a decade, formally ended his NFL career on March 15, 2024, according to a statement from the franchise’s official site. The announcement highlighted his 111 career sacks, eight-sack seasons in eight of his ten years, and his role in the Super Bowl LVI championship. Since his retirement, the conversation has shifted from celebration to speculation. In July 2026, head coach Sean McVay told reporters that Donald is “going through his process” to decide whether to return for the 2026 season, noting the former star’s disciplined workout regimen and the team’s willingness to accommodate a comeback. A few weeks later, the NFL’s transaction report logged a “tryout” at the Rams’ training facility, and McVay called it the best tryout the team has ever seen. The uncertainty has prompted the Rams to draft contingency plans for a 53-man roster both with and without Donald, while fans and analysts weigh the impact of potentially adding a 35-year-old defensive titan to an already formidable front line that includes Myles Garrett and other emerging talents. ## A decorated decade: career milestones and retirement Donald entered the league as a St. Louis Ram in 2014 and quickly became one of the most dominant interior defenders in modern NFL history. Over ten seasons he amassed 111 sacks, recorded at least eight sacks in eight separate years, and earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards – a distinction shared by only two other players in league history. He was also a unanimous selection for the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and a six-time first-team All-Pro, underscoring his consistent elite performance. The Rams’ owner E. Stanley Kroenke praised Donald’s “dedication to greatness” and his influence on “generations of football fans” in the retirement release. The statement also noted Donald’s role in the franchise’s Super Bowl LVI victory, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ recent resurgence. His final season in 2023 produced eight sacks, 53 total tackles, an eighth Associated Press First-Team All-Pro nod, and a tenth Pro Bowl selection, marking a high note to conclude his on-field career. Beyond the numbers, Donald’s impact extended to the locker room and community. Teammates and coaches repeatedly highlighted his work ethic, leadership, and the standard he set for preparation. The retirement announcement referenced a “celebration game” against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium, where fans could relive his greatest moments through a curated photo gallery on the Rams’ website. ## At a Glance - **RETIREMENT DATE:** March 15, 2024 - **CAREER SACKS:** 111 - **DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS:** Three - **2023 SEASON STATS:** 8 sacks, 53 tackles, 8th AP First-Team All-Pro, 10th Pro Bowl - **WORKOUT STATUS:** Logged as a tryout on the NFL transaction report in 2026 - **COACH'S PUBLIC COMMENT:** Sean McVay called it the best tryout the Rams have ever had ## Comeback considerations: workouts, coach comments, and roster planning In July 2026, McVay explained that Donald is “putting himself in a position to make a decision” and undergoing a “strict, regimented process” similar to his preparation during his playing days. The coach emphasized that Donald’s health and how his body feels will drive the final call, and that the Rams will support whichever path he chooses. Former teammates Braden Fiske and Steve Avila echoed the sentiment, saying they would welcome Donald’s return but would also respect his timeline. The next development arrived when the NFL’s daily transaction wire listed Donald’s appearance at the Rams’ training facility as a “tryout.” According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Donald used the team’s equipment but did not wear pads during the session. McVay, speaking on “NFL Daily,” called it “the best tryout we’ve ever had” and expressed confidence that Donald could still make the roster despite being 35 years old. Meanwhile, the organization has been pragmatic about roster construction. In late August 2026, McVay told reporters that the Rams have drafted two 53-man roster scenarios – one that includes Donald and one that does not – to ensure flexibility ahead of the season-opening game in Australia and the subsequent home matchup against the New York Giants. He stressed a “day-by-day” approach, noting that any decision will hinge on Donald’s physical readiness and his personal desire to return to the field. ## Curator's Note Donald’s possible return could reshape the Rams’ defensive identity and reignite a fan base that still reveres his on-field dominance. In a city where the NFL franchise competes for attention with Hollywood and the upcoming LA28 Games, a comeback story adds drama, boosts ticket sales at SoFi Stadium, and reinforces Los Angeles’ reputation as a hub for elite athletic narratives. --- Curated by VIBES News Desk · Published 2026-08-28 Source: https://www.curationsla.com/vibes/2026-08-27-aaron-donald-retires-then-teeters-on-comeback-as Cite as: CurationsLA, "Aaron Donald retires, then teeters on comeback as Rams weigh his return", https://www.curationsla.com/vibes/2026-08-27-aaron-donald-retires-then-teeters-on-comeback-as (published 2026-08-28). License: CC-BY-SA-4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Structured manifest: https://www.curationsla.com/vibes/2026-08-27-aaron-donald-retires-then-teeters-on-comeback-as/manifest.json