15 March 2024 , 17:10
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Three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron Donald, has announced his retirement from the NFL after an impressive career.
After 10 seasons and a Super Bowl win with the Los Angeles Rams, Donald is ready for the 'next chapter'. He shared an emotional message on social media: "For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level," he wrote on X.
"I'm thankful for the people I've met along the way, the relationships I've built and the things I've accomplished with my teammates and individually I would like to thank St. Louis for the love and support during my first two years in the league as a St. Louis Ram, and through my eight years as a Los Angeles Ram.
"I would like to thank Los Angeles for the love and support throughout my career as well. California has become home to me and my family, and you all made it extra special."
"I would like to thank Mr. Kroenke and his family for building an organization that I was blessed to be part of. There are far too many people in the organization to thank specifically. but I will never forget the relationships."
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"I appreciate everyone on the field, off the field and behind the scenes that made my job smooth. I know I'm going to miss my teammates and the camaraderie we had in the building, as well as the coaches who will continue to have a lasting impact on me.
"Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically - 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be. I respected this game like no other and I'm blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted.
Donald was the most feared defensive player in the NFL (Getty Images)"As I turn my focus to a new chapter, I don't know what the future holds, but I am excited about the off the field possibilities. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric and Aali. The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side, and I can't wait to watch them live out their dreams just as they watched me live out mine."
Rams fans were expecting Donald to play in 2024, after just hearing the news that his contact had been restructured to give the organization more cap space. Donald carried a cap hit of around $34.2 million heading into 2024, but saw it lowered by $9.2 million to a total of $25 million.
Donald signed a three-year, fully guaranteed $95 million contract with the Rams in 2022, meaning that his cap hit would've been $38.5 million in 2025. But his decision to retire allows the team to invest heavily in their future roster.