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Aaron Donald hasn’t played since 2023 and, after recently turning 35, has taken up golf, so everything in his life suggests that life is good and that he won’t come out of retirement to resume his 10-year NFL career. Or is he?
No. His wife, Erica Donald, heard the rumors and called them “hilarious” on Tuesday.
So the idea that the Los Angeles Rams — preparing for a Super Bowl run after trading for All-World passer Myles Garrett, after adding a duo of star cornerbacks, after learning from MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford that he’s playing in 2026 — would be unbeatable with Donald returning is crazy talk.
RIGHT?
Riiiiight?!?!
Fake.
NFL GREAT AARON DONALD COULD COME OUT OF RETIREMENT TO JOIN MYLES GARRETT IN RAMS DEFENSE, SAYS EX-TEAMMATE
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 dismissing the idea. Indeed, both somehow fuel the idea.
“Look, if he’s interested, here’s what I’ll say,” McVay told reporters Tuesday afternoon during Garrett’s introductory news conference. “You talk to Aaron and you see what he says about it.”
Looking for the part where McVay said that was out of the question…
Look…
I’m still looking. No, I can’t find it.
“Here’s what I would tell you generally,” McVay added: “Aaron is a guy that I stay very close with and I know the respect he has for Myles.
“I spoke to him about the opportunity to bring [Garrett] on board. 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 ADDING 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 would have finished his career three years ago by collecting eight sacks at his usual defensive tackle position and earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He even got some Comeback Player of the Year votes because this past season was better than the previous one in 2022.
Donald also had a reputation for being a stickler for taking care of his body and staying in shape. He continued to do so even in retirement. It is therefore not excluded that he could help the Rams as they compete for a bid for a Super Bowl which will be played in their hometown, at SoFi Stadium.
And this: Donald is considering the idea, according to a report.
“I’m definitely flirting with the idea,” Donald texted Jordan Schultz of the Schultz Report Tuesday evening. “Hello, an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, that’s a possibility.”
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Again, where is the “no” in this 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 until the Rams report to training camp. During this time he has time to determine whether the “fire” is still there. Even if he isn’t sure at the start of camp, he might decide to play the long game and perhaps rejoin the team after the season starts.
Some veterans often like this idea because it keeps them from facing tough practices in training camp. And if the Rams win but could use some extra help, Donald joining the fray could be a huge boost.
This is not speculation. The door is open and Aaron Donald will think about it.
FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO
