NFL Star Aaron Donald Comes Out of Retirement After Two Years

Aaron Donald is returning to the Los Angeles Rams after two years in retirement, giving an already star-packed defense another major addition before the NFL season begins in two weeks.

The 35-year-old defensive lineman represented the Rams from 2014 to 2024. Rumors had circulated for several weeks, and Donald had visited and trained with the team during its training camp. The Rams made his return official on Sunday evening Danish time.

Donald will pursue opposing quarterbacks alongside Myles Garrett, who joined Los Angeles in a major trade with the Cleveland Browns during the spring. Garrett recorded 23 sacks in the 2025 season, a league record, and won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Donald has won that award three times, in 2017, 2018 and 2020. Only three players in NFL history have received the honor three times, according to the report. The Rams also acquired cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs. McDuffie is regarded as one of the league’s best cornerbacks and will cover opposing receivers.

Los Angeles was among the NFL’s strongest teams last season but lost its semifinal to the Seattle Seahawks, who went on to win the Super Bowl. With Donald, Garrett and McDuffie added to the roster, the Rams are considered the leading favorite for the championship. The next Super Bowl will be played on Feb. 14 at the Rams’ home stadium on the West Coast.