After 10 seasons in the NFL, Aaron Donald made a big announcement on March 15, 2024.For ten years I was lucky enough to play football at the highest level. Throughout my career I gave everything to football, both mentally and physically – 365 days a year I dedicated myself to becoming the best player I could.”

After that, he retired from the league and said goodbye to the Los Angeles Rams. However, many still speculated that he might return in the next seasons. Now, however, the wife of the 33-year-old former defensive player broke her silence on the matter and clearly indicated that Aaron Donald will not return.

Was 2023 the end for Aaron Donald?

Aaron Donald’s wife Erica Donald recently shared a story on her official Instagram account on September 8, 2024. In the story video, the former NFL player is seen sleeping carefree on a couch. As Erica shot the video while her husband was sleeping, she said, “Because people are still asking if you’re coming back. So, guys, I hope that answers your question, because he’s not coming back.”

Many people believe that this rumor about his return started when he retired this year. But that’s only half the truth! When Aaron Donald led the Rams to the Super Bowl victory in 2022, many speculated about the athlete’s possible retirement. However, the 33-year-old surprised them with a new contract extension for three years and $95 million in the offseason. But then he retired from the league despite the contract. Therefore, it is natural for fans to think about his return.

Nevertheless, this 2024 season will be the first for the Rams without their star player, who recorded eight sacks and 53 tackles in 2023. To compensate for the loss of Donald in the attack, “The team selected pass rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske“ in the 2024 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the first game of the season ended with a loss to the Lions 26-20.

Why doesn’t Aaron Donald want to return to the NFL?

Aaron Donald’s NFL career is nothing short of legendary. The 13th overall pick in the 2014 draft, he became one of the most feared defensive players in the league. He was nominated to the Pro Bowl ten times, named Defensive Player of the Year three times and was named All-Pro eight times – that’s hard to top. But after ten intense seasons, the game took its toll on him. But why did he stop despite his good form? In fact, Donald stopped not just because of his age, but because the fire that once drove him began to fade.

He admitted that he was “complete”, after accomplishing everything he set out to do. However, many also speculate that it must have something to do with his health. Nevertheless, his loss left a huge hole in the Rams defense. They brought in Braden Fiske, but even the team knew that you can’t easily replace a force like Donald. And that’s why the Rams changed their strategy and relied more on their secondary corners.

And now Donald just sometimes spends time with the team at training camp.