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Aaron Donald hasn’t played since 2023 and, having recently turned 35, has taken up golf, so everything in his life suggests that life is good and he won’t come out of retirement to resume his 10-year NFL career. Or is it him?
No. His wife, Erica Donald, heard the rumors and called them “hilarious” on Tuesday.
So the idea that the Los Angeles Rams, gearing up for a Super Bowl run after trading for All-World pass rusher Myles Garrett, after adding a star starting cornerback duo, after getting word from MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford that he’ll play in 2026, would be unbeatable with Donald’s return is crazy.
Good?
Correct?!?!
Mistaken.
NFL GREAT AARON DONALD MAY COME OUT OF RETIREMENT TO JOIN MYLES GARRETT ON THE RAMS’ DEFENSE, FORMER TEAMMATE SAYS
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 14, 2025. (John Amis/AP Photo)
Because no one (not Rams coach Sean McVay, not Donald) is ruling out the idea. In fact, they are both fueling the idea.
“Listen, if you’re interested, this is what I’ll say,” McVay told reporters Tuesday afternoon at Garrett’s introductory news conference. “You talk to Aaron and see what he says about it.”
Looking for the part where McVay said it’s out of the question…
Looking…
I keep searching. No, I can’t find it.
“This is what I would also say to you guys in general,” McVay added, “Aaron is a guy that I keep in very close contact with and I know the respect he has for Myles.
“I spoke with him about the opportunity to bring [Garrett] aboard. “If Aaron decides he wants to dust them off at the age of 35, I bet he can still do it at a pretty high rate.”
RAMS ADD MYLES GARRETT AS PART OF BLOCKBUSTER TRADE AND SUPER BOWL PUSH FOR 2026 SEASON
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on November 26, 2023. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
Nobody doubts it. Donald reportedly finished his career three years ago racking up eight sacks at his regular defensive tackle spot and earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He even got some Comeback Player of the Year votes because that last season was better than the previous one in 2022.
Donald also had a reputation for being manic when it came to taking care of his body and staying in shape. He continued to do so even when he was retired. Therefore, it is not out of the question that he could help the Rams as they compete for a bid for a Super Bowl to be played in their hometown, SoFi Stadium.
And this: Donald is mulling over the idea, according to a report.
“I’m sure I’m flirting with the idea,” Donald texted Jordan Schultz of the Schultz Report on Tuesday night. “What a great opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it’s a possibility.”
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Again, where is the “no” in that sentence?
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald celebrates in the first half during a game against the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium in December 2023. (Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports)
Donald has about seven weeks before the Rams report to training camp. You have time to find out during that time if the “fire” is still there. Even if he’s unsure at the start of camp, he could decide to play long-term and perhaps join the team after the season starts.
Some veterans often like that idea because it saves them from having to deal with difficult practices in training camp. And if the Rams are winning but need additional help, Donald joining the race could be a big boost.
This is not speculation. The door is open and Aaron Donald is going to consider it.
FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO
