Aaron Donald, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, officially came out of retirement on August 30, 2026, to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams on a reported one-year deal worth $20 million, with incentives potentially raising the value to $30 million [1, 2, 3, 4].
Donald, 35, spent 10 NFL seasons—all with the Rams—before retiring at age 32 in March 2024. He was the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and built a Hall of Fame-worthy resume with the team [1, 2, 3, 4].
His career highlights include winning Super Bowl LVI in February 2022, where he recorded two sacks in the Rams' victory. Donald has earned eight first-team All-Pro selections and is one of the franchise’s most decorated defensive players [1, 2, 3].
There is some discrepancy over his total career sacks with the Rams. Some sources place it at 111, while others list 117, but all agree it is a franchise record [1, 2, 3]. Donald’s official listed size is 6 feet 1 inch and 280 pounds—considered small for a defensive tackle, but he is known for extraordinary athleticism and relentless work rate [1, 4].
In June 2026, the Rams augmented their defense by acquiring reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who set the NFL single-season sack record in 2025. Donald prepared for his return to the field during the summer by undergoing a strict training and conditioning program during Rams training camp, proving he could still perform at a high level [1, 3, 4].
Rams head coach Sean McVay said Donald "looked outstanding" during workouts and insisted that if he returns, he must be "all-in" [3, 4]. Sources indicate Donald will likely play a rotational role, possibly taking 20-25 snaps per game rather than returning as a full-time starter [4].
Donald expressed his enthusiasm simply: "We back" [2]. The Rams open their 2026 NFL season on September 10 against their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers [1]. If the Rams make it to the Super Bowl this season, it will be Super Bowl LXI, held at their home stadium, SoFi Stadium [1, 3].
