LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed Saturday that superstar defensive lineman Aaron Donald has yet to make up his mind about ending his two-year retirement, but the team is ready to welcome him back whenever — and if — he chooses to return.
As the Rams kicked off training camp at Loyola Marymount University, McVay acknowledged he simply does not know whether Donald, considered one of the finest defensive linemen the NFL has seen in recent memory, will lace up his cleats again.
“If that is something that he wants to do, we’re going to try to be able to make that happen,” McVay said. “But I genuinely do not have an answer on whether he is or he isn’t. I know he’s preparing himself to be able to make that decision, and I know if he feels good, he’s going to be ready to rock. If not, he doesn’t owe us anything.”
McVay also addressed other roster matters at camp, noting that All-Pro wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to practice while the team works out a new contract for him as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. The coach added that NFL MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford is in full health but will skip several practices under a modified schedule designed to keep the 38-year-old fresh throughout the long season. The Rams also announced that first-round pick Ty Simpson has officially signed a four-year, $25.4 million rookie contract and will compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup quarterback spot behind Stafford.
Still, much of the conversation centered on Donald, who spent a decade anchoring the Rams’ defensive line before retiring somewhat suddenly in March 2024. The now-35-year-old reportedly started entertaining the idea of a return earlier last month, shortly after the Rams landed star pass rusher Myles Garrett in a trade with Cleveland. The possibility of playing alongside one of his few peers in the sport motivated Donald to launch an intense workout program to get his body back to playing condition.
“He is going through his process, and he is putting himself in a position to make a decision,” McVay said. “He’s earned the right to be able to do that. … He’s very diligent. Anything that he does, he does all-in, and so he’s going through a very strict regimen and process that’s similar to what he did when he played. See how his body responds and feels, and then we’ll see when we have more information whether or not we’re going to give it a go, or whether or not he’s going to continue to enjoy what he’s been doing for the last couple of years.”
During his decade with the franchise in both St. Louis and Los Angeles, Donald compiled a team-record 111 sacks, earned the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award three times, was named to eight All-Pro teams, and made 10 Pro Bowl appearances. He played a pivotal role in the Rams’ championship run during the 2021-22 season, delivering key defensive plays in both the NFC title game and the Super Bowl win over Cincinnati at SoFi Stadium.
Since stepping away from the game, Donald has remained connected to the Rams and the city of Los Angeles while also spending time in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Current players on the roster say they would be thrilled to have him back.
“I mean, him being the greatest of all time, I’m sure he’d have a pretty good impact, right?” said defensive lineman Braden Fiske. “It’s only been two years, but if you’ve seen the (workout) videos, it doesn’t seem like he’s lost too much of where he’s at. … If that’s what he chooses to do, I’m sure we’ll be waiting for him. We’re just letting him handle his process. That’s totally on him. I don’t want to be the pushy one. If it happens, great. If not, you know, we’ll play some good football.”
Fiske is among the defensive linemen who could see his playing time affected if Donald rejoins the team, but the Rams as a whole appear genuinely excited about the possibility of adding Donald to a roster already viewed as one of the top Super Bowl contenders.
When asked whether Donald’s decision could be pushed back to midseason, McVay again emphasized the team’s full support. Left guard Steve Avila, who played alongside Donald during the 2023 season as a rookie, said he believes Donald would go all-in if he decides to come back.
“I think if AD makes the decision to come back, he’s going to want to play the whole year, just knowing how he is and the mindset that he has,” Avila said. “I don’t think he’d be halfway in, halfway out with being part of the team, and that’s just what you expect from someone as great as him.”
