Aaron Donald has heard Rams fans pleading for him to come out of retirement and play another year. They’ll even settle for him returning for just a playoff run in January.
His response to those prayers is the same as it’s always been: It’s not happening.
Donald was a guest on the 25/10 Show with DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy, and he left no doubt about his plans for the future. He isn’t coming out of retirement and hasn’t second-guessed his retirement decision one bit.
“It’s good, man. Staying busy, obviously,” Donald said. “For life after football, building an empire, being with the family. But overall, feel good. No second-guessing nothing at all. I know the world’s talking about, ‘He might come back for a playoff run if the Rams make it.’ But I’m like, I’m done. I’m at peace with everything.”
As fun as it would be to see Donald playing for the Rams again and coming out of retirement like Eric Weddle did three years ago, he has no plans to make such a triumphant return to the field. He’s kept busy with his foundation and real estate investments, as well as his role with the Ready Nutrition brand.
He’s said multiple times since retiring that he’s lost the drive to go through practice and another season of 17-plus games and he would feel like he was cheating the game if he skipped the regular season only to come back for the playoffs. He’s also said he didn’t want to come back just to get another check and collect money from the Rams if his heart wasn’t completely in it.
So fans can keep praying he changes his mind, but it sure doesn’t sound like he wants to suit up on Sundays again.