Aaron Donald Announces Retirement: First Ballot Hall of Famer Bows Out

Rams pass rusher Aaron Donald has announced his retirement on Friday afternoon after an illustrious career that will cement his name in the Hall of Fame as one of the best defensive players of all-time.

Donald made the announcement on Twitter with a lengthy message.

The former first round pick out of Pittsburgh was routinely the best player on the field and posed a major problem for offensive coordinators throughout the NFL.

His dominance in the pass rush game came from his sheer size and strength — but also because of how cerebral of a player he was. Donald's wide range of feints and countermoves made him an absolute problem for offensive lineman, many of whom were tasked with doubling teaming — often to futile effect — the 6-foot-1, 280 pound beast.

Donald — a surefire first ballot Hall of Famer — won a Super Bowl in 2021 with the Rams and made the Pro Bowl in every season he's played in the NFL. He also put up eight First-team All-Pros, only missing out from that team his rookie season and in 2022 due to injury.

The legend also won Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2020.