Aaron Donald is calling it a career.
The star Rams defensive tackle announced his NFL retirement on Friday after 10 seasons with the team, which included a Super Bowl win in February 2022.
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“Cheers to what’s next. Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support over these last 10 years. Much love,” Donald, 32, captioned his retirement announcement on social media.
A former first-round pick, Donald concludes a prolific career with 10 Pro Bowl nods and eight First-team All-Pro honours. He was also named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year three times.
Donald explained that he’s looking forward to his next chapter, which includes spending time with his family.
“As I turn my focus to a new chapter, I don’t know what the future holds but I am excited about the off-the-field possibilities,” Donald wrote in a statement posted to X.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric, and Aali. The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side and I can’t wait to watch them live out their dreams just as they watched me live out mine.”
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Taking to her Instagram Story, Erica reposted her husband’s announcement with the caption, “Love you baby! So proud of you.”
The Rams shared a tribute video to Donald and praised the All-Pro tackle in a number of posts on X — including one that featured a photo of him in action with the caption: “Quarterbacks rejoice.”
Donald has a Rams franchise record 111 sacks in his career, and 24 forced fumbles.
His teammates, including wideout Cooper Kupp and linebacker Ernest Jones, praised him in separate posts on X.
“Thankful to have been able to watch, learn from, and play alongside one of the best to ever do it,” Kupp wrote. “Appreciate you @AaronDonald97! Feel sorry for whoever has to line up across from you, in whatever it is you want to do next!”
Jones added, “Blessed to have played this game alongside you. There will never be another Aaron Donald.”
Rams GM Les Snead said, “There will never be another Aaron Donald,” while head coach Sean McVay added, “Aaron is truly one of one … he poured everything into this game and into our team.”
The 13th overall pick by the Rams out of Pittsburgh in the 2014 NFL Draft, Donald went on to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his first season.
“We are so grateful for Aaron’s dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past decade,” Rams owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement.
“He has left his mark on generations of football fans and his accomplishments, coupled with his work ethic and passion, continue to inspire his teammates, coaches and athletes across the globe. It is a privilege to have witnessed one of the greatest players of all time and we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be part of NFL history as a member of the Rams.”
This story originally appeared on the New York Post and has been reposted with permission
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