Aaron Donald announces return to Los Angeles Rams: "We back"
Aaron Donald, commonly regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, has announced his return to the Los Angeles Rams after two years of retirement, forming a fearsome duo with the newly acquired Myles Garrett on the defensive front.
The 35-year-old defensive tackle previously retired after finishing his tenth season with the franchise in 2023. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year announced his return Sunday on Instagram with a simple caption reading, "We back." The Rams later confirmed the news, saying the star will play for the team in 2026.
With 111 career sacks, Donald is No. 2 in NFL history for interior defensive linemen. He led the team to victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at the Rams' home, SoFi Stadium, sealing the win with a last-minute defensive stop. The Super Bowl heads back to Inglewood in 2027, something that Donald says played a part in his ultimate decision.
"Just being here and being a part of this team, potentially doing something special. That's what it's about," Donald said on Sunday during a news conference after the news was announced. "The Super Bowl being back at SoFi kinda excites you too, but it's a long process to get to that point. ... I'm just present, and I'm glad to be here, and I'm just going to work and get myself to where I need to be."
He remains the Rams' all-time leader in sacks, tackles for loss and QB hits.
Donald was selected by the then-St. Louis Rams out of the University of Pittsburgh in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. The franchise relocated to Los Angeles two years later.
Speculation arose that he could return to the team after they acquired Garrett, the reigning NFL DPOY, from the Cleveland Browns in a trade on June 1. The duo will now lead the charge for the team commonly regarded as Super Bowl favorites, with last year's MVP, quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Head coach Sean McVay had eluded answering questions about Donald's potential return, often saying he would be beyond excited to have the star return to the Rams roster. Donald spoke about the process during the press conference.
"Just having conversations with Sean, obviously seeing what's been done with this team, the pieces that were getting brought here. Okay, it's a complete team," Donald said. "Then, you know, you see the other moves they make and it's like, okay, I wish I was still out there playing right about now."
McVay said the two shared an "unspoken understanding" that there would be an official decision made once the team was able to trim the roster down after the preseason.
"You don't owe us anything. No matter what, there's a lot of love," McVay said during the news conference. "We wanted it to make sure that he felt good about doing that. ... His priority is with his family, and when he does something, he does it all in. That's kinda what led to being able to get it done today."
Donald said that he began training to return to NFL form before making his decision.
"Starting to put myself in a position to train and get my body to a certain point where I feel good, and see how I move and see how and see if I can still do certain things," he said. "I felt pretty good, man."
CBS LA has learned that Donald's deal is worth $20 million for one year. Playoff incentives could drive the monetary value up to $30 million.
With the Rams' preseason complete, he's potentially set to return in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers for the first-ever NFL game in Australia at 5:35 p.m. PDT on Thursday, Sept. 10.