In a shocking move, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has announced his retirement today. The 10-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year leaves behind a hole that will be nigh impossible for the team to fill.
But the Rams will have plenty of time to worry about how they’ll replace Donald. For now, they’re spending the day paying tribute to their departing defensive tackle.
Taking to X after Donald’s retirement announcement, the Rams posted a simple yet perfect message to both fans and opposing quarterbacks:
“Quarterbacks Rejoice,” the team wrote, with the subheading, “Legends Live Forever.”
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) March 15, 2024
Aaron Donald made life hell for opposing quarterbacks during his 10 NFL seasons. In 154 regular season games he had 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss and 260 QB hits. He was equally dangerous in the playoffs, notching six sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 17 QB hits in 11 postseason games.
Donald’s accolades include Pro Bowls in every season he played, eight First-Team All-Pro selections, six seasons of at least 10 sacks, and a 2018 season where he led the league in sacks with 20.5 of them.
Few players in NFL history have as many accolades as Donald does and nearly all of them are in the Hall of Fame. Donald is a lock to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in five years.
But for now, quarterbacks truly can rejoice and some of them – such as Cardinals QB Kyler Murray – already have.