Tag: aaron donald

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) smiles during warm ups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald: T.J. Watt now best defensive player in NFL

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Aaron Donald knows a thing or two about playing defense.

Now that he is retired, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year was asked who he feels assumes the title of the best current player on that side of the ball on “The Green Light with Chris Long” podcast.

“I think it’s T.J. Watt,” Donald said. “You talk about a guy that’s consistent. Been doing it year in, year out, consistently, that’s gonna get you 15 sacks, 13 sacks, 22 sacks, consistent. He’s the guy who’s been doing it consistently, interceptions, touchdowns, His stats are ridiculous every single year. He’s that guy to me.

“I know you’ve got (Dallas’) Micah Parsons that’s coming up, you’ve got (Cleveland’s) Myles Garrett, you’ve got a bunch of good players. But in my opinion, in the time I’ve seen T.J. Watt in this league, from the first time I’ve seen him to last year, he’s consistently been dominating in this league. So a lot of respect for him.”

Watt, 29, was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and is a four-time All-Pro. He led the NFL with 19 sacks this past season to go along with 68 tackles, an interception, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Donald, who announced his retirement on March 15, is an eight-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. The defensive tackle won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017, 2018 and 2020 and helped the Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald was ‘burnt out, full, complete,’ prompting retirement

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Aaron Donald knew he was done not long after the Los Angeles Rams lost to the Detroit Lions in the playoffs in January.

Donald, a first-team All-Pro eight times in 10 seasons, couldn’t fathom ramping back up for an 11th year in the NFL.

“Went to two Super Bowls. Won one, lost one. I’m complete. I’m full,” Donald said in a video posted to his X account Wednesday.

“I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me. I will always love football, but to think about going through another camp and another 17 (game) season, I just don’t got the urge to want to push myself to do that no more.”

Donald recorded 111 sacks and 543 tackles in 154 career games (150 starts) since being selected by the Rams with the 13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh.

Los Angeles coach Sean McVay said Donald used those words — I’m full — when he informed the franchise his career was ending.

Donald teased an upcoming video in his statement online Wednesday.

“I’m burnt out. … I’m full, I’m complete, I’m satisfied with what I was able to do in 10 years and I think it’s time for me, at 32 years old, to retire from football and jump into the next step of my career and my life, and now it’s time to move on,” he said.

–Field Level Media

Feb 13, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) celebrates after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rams star Aaron Donald announces retirement

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald announced his retirement Friday after 10 tremendous seasons.

Donald, 32, is an eight-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. The defensive tackle was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2020 and helped the Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

“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,” Donald wrote on social media. “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 recorded 111 sacks to go along with 543 tackles in 154 career games (150 starts) since being selected by the Rams with the 13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.

“We are so grateful for Aaron’s dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past decade,” Rams owner Stan Kroenke said in a statement. “He has left his mark on generations of football fans and his accomplishments, coupled with his work ethic and passion, continue to inspire his teammates, coaches and athletes across the globe. It is a privilege to have witnessed one of the greatest players of all time and we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be part of NFL history as a member of the Rams.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) spits water out of his mouth against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Rams DT Aaron Donald (groin) questionable vs. Commanders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been downgraded to questionable for the home game Sunday against the Washington Commanders due to groin tightness.

Donald has started all 13 games for the Rams, collecting 43 tackles, six sacks and 13 tackles for loss, and 21 quarterback hits. Last season, he played in only 11 games because of injury.

He is a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, seven-time first-team All-Pro, and he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2020.

The Rams (6-7) also list right tackle Rob Havenstein (groin) and wide receiver Tutu Atwell (concussion) as questionable.

The Commanders (4-9) earlier this week ruled out running back Brian Robinson (hamstring), defensive end James Smith-Williams (hamstring) and tight end Curtis Hodges (back).

–Field Level Media

Nov 6, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Rams’ Sean McVay: Aaron Donald out vs. Broncos, likely for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald is unlikely to play again this season, coach Sean McVay announced Friday.

McVay initially ruled out Donald for Sunday’s game against the visiting Denver Broncos due to the ankle injury he sustained in the Rams’ 26-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 27.

When asked if Donald, 31, would play again this season for the Rams (4-10), McVay was quick with his answer.

“Probably not,” he said.

McVay was then asked about the thinking behind that decision.

“I just think, ‘Will he be fully cleared to be Aaron Donald?’” McVay said. “And if he is, talk to him and see. But if not, we’ll err on the side of being smart with him. But obviously, he’s a guy that has certainly earned the right where you talk to him. But he’s not cleared yet and I don’t know that I see that changing in the next couple weeks.”

A seven-time All-Pro, Donald has five sacks and 49 tackles — including 10 for loss — on the season. He also has a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year was named to his ninth Pro Bowl on Monday.

In addition to Donald, center Brian Allen, defensive tackle Marquise Copeland, Trevon Howard, linebacker Jake Gervase, wide receiver Ben Skowronek and quarterback John Wolford have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Broncos (4-10).

–Field Level Media

Nov 13, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) tries to slip past Arizona Cardinals guard Lecitus Smith (54) to get to quarterback Colt McCoy (not pictured) during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Rams rule out DT Aaron Donald (ankle) for ‘TNF’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald will miss a second straight game with an ankle injury.

Quarterback John Wolford is listed as questionable with a neck injury. If he’s unable to go, newly acquired Baker Mayfield and QB3 Bryce Perkins will be the only healthy quarterbacks available to the Rams.

The Rams (3-9) host the Las Vegas Raiders to kick off Week 14. Los Angeles has six straight games, an NFL record for a reigning league champion.

In addition to Donald, the Rams also ruled out linebackers Terrell Lewis (back) and Travin Howard (hip) along with cornerback David Long Jr. (groin) for the Thursday night contest.

Donald sustained the injury in the Rams’ Week 12 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. Last week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks was the first career game missed for the nine-year veteran.

The seven-time All-Pro has five sacks and 49 tackles — including 10 for loss — on the season. He also has a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

–Field Level Media

Nov 13, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) tries to slip past Arizona Cardinals guard Lecitus Smith (54) to get to quarterback Colt McCoy (not pictured) during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Rams DT Aaron Donald, QB Matthew Stafford out Week 13

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald will not play Sunday due to a high-ankle sprain that could lead to Los Angeles shutting him down for the rest of the season.

Donald, 31, has never missed an NFL game due to injury, meaning the seven-time All-Pro would be sitting for the first time Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Donald missed two games in 2017 due to a contract holdout.

“That’s what makes Aaron, Aaron,” McVay said. “He’s unbelievable. I mean to be able to play through that, the toughness, everything that he embodies is what you love about Aaron.”

Donald was injured in the first quarter last week but remained in the game, a 26-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

With a five-game losing streak and a 3-8 overall record, Los Angeles has only one win since Sept. 25. A rash of injuries isn’t helping the Rams’ mood.

Wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson II are on injured reserve, and quarterback Matthew Stafford (concussion) played only two of the team’s four games in November.

McVay said Wednesday it was “safe to say” Stafford, 34, would miss Week 13.

–Field Level Media

Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) makes a throw in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Rams QB Matthew Stafford (concussion), DT Aaron Donald (ankle) iffy for Week 13

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The injury uncertainty around the Los Angeles Rams continues to cloud the defending Super Bowl champions.

In Sean McVay’s latest day-after injury update on Monday following the Rams’ 26-10 loss at Kansas City, the head coach told reporters that this week’s playing status for quarterback Matthew Stafford and defensive tackle Aaron Donald remains up in the air.

Stafford missed his second game in the past three weeks on Sunday because of a strained neck as well as recurring concussion treatment. McVay said Monday there was nothing new to report on Stafford’s playing status.

McVay said that Donald, the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has a potential high ankle sprain and hopes to have more clarity by Wednesday after continuing to consult with team doctors. Donald, 31, has never missed a game because of injury in his nine seasons.

The Rams, who have lost five straight games to fall to 3-8, host a pair of games in a five-day span starting on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks before facing the Las Vegas Raiders the following Thursday. According to Elias Sports, that streak matches the NFL record for a losing streak by any reigning NFL champion.

The 34-year-old Stafford was removed from L.A.’s Week 11 game against the New Orleans Saints after absorbing a hit that McVay said left Stafford with some numbness in his legs. The veteran quarterback has played every game in 10 of his 14 NFL seasons, and this year marks just the second time since 2011 that he has missed multiple starts.

Backup Bryce Perkins made his first career start against the Chiefs on Sunday and completed 13 of 23 passes for 100 yards with one touchdown and a pair of interceptions. He led the Rams in rushing with 44 yards on nine carries.

Injuries have plagued the Rams in 2022. The team has been without star receiver Cooper Kupp, who has missed the last two games with a high ankle sprain and remains on injured reserve. Fellow wideout Allen Robinson II may be forced to miss the rest of the season, per McVay on Sunday, because of foot surgery. The offensive line has been riddled with injuries, forcing the team into using 11 different starting line combinations in 11 games.

McVay told reporters recently that he wouldn’t rule out sidelining any of his keys stars for the remainder of the season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 16, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald, Jaylen Brown cut ties with Kanye West’s agency

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Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald announced Tuesday he is cutting ties with Donda Sports, the sports marketing agency founded by Kanye West earlier this year, due to West’s recent antisemitic tirades.

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown also decided to part ways one day after indicating he would stay with the firm.

“The recent comments and displays of hate and antisemitism are the exact opposite of how we choose to live our lives and raise our children,” Donald wrote in a social media post signed by Aaron and Erica Donald. “We find them to be irresponsible and go against everything we believe in as a family.

“As parents and members of society, we felt a responsibility to send a clear message that hateful words and actions have consequences and that we must do better as human beings. We do not feel our beliefs, voices and actions belong anywhere near a space that misrepresents and oppresses people of any background, ethnicity or race.”

West’s social media accounts were restricted earlier this month as a result of repeated hateful comments toward Jewish people.

Adidas and CAA have also ceased working with West as a consequence.

“Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech. Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness,” Adidas said in a statement.

Brown said Monday night that he disagreed with West’s stances but was not going to part ways with the agency. He reversed field on Tuesday.

“In the past 24 hours, I’ve been able to reflect and better understand how my previous statements lack clarity in expressing my stance against recent insensitive public remarks and actions,” Brown said in a statement. “For that, I apologize. And in this, I seek to be as clear as possible. I have always, and will always, continue to stand strongly against any antisemitism, hate speech, misrepresentation, and oppressive rhetoric of any kind.

“In light of that, after sharing in conversations, I now recognize there are times when my voice and my position can’t coexist in spaces that don’t correspond with my stance or my values. And, for that reason, I am terminating my association with Donda Sports.”

–Field Level Media

Rams defensive tackle Jonah Williams attempts to hold back Aaron Donald during a brawl during the joint practice against the Bengals. Syndication The Enquirer

Rams DT Aaron Donald turning focus toward season opener

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A week and a half after he was at the center of a helmet-swinging fiasco at practice, Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald is trying to keep his focus forward on a season-opening matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.

Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, spoke to the assembled media for the first time since the incident at an Aug. 25 joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Video and photos of the incidents showed Donald holding Bengals helmets in both hands and repeatedly swinging one of them during a scrum before getting knocked to the ground.

“I’m happy nobody got hurt in the practice and whatever, but my main focus is Thursday night against Buffalo,” Donald said.

No fines or suspensions were announced from the NFL and the Rams said they would handle their discipline internally. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris confirmed that the team did discipline Donald, but offered no details.

“You don’t want to swing a helmet at anybody; you don’t want that on your resume,” Morris said. “But those things happen in practices. They’re mistakes, they’re errors and they’re correctable.”

Since helping the Rams to a Super Bowl title in February in a 23-20 victory, Donald received a $40 million raise to make him the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL. He will receive a guaranteed $65 million over the next two seasons.

Even with the healthy raise and his first Super Bowl title, Donald showed in the incident with the Bengals he has not lost any of his famed intensity.

“Everybody protected each other, everybody got out of the situation clean, healthy,” said Donald, who had a career-best 84 tackles last season to go along with 12.5 sacks. That’s what mattered.”

Donald’s three Defensive Player of the Year awards are tied for most in NFL history. He was also the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014 after the Rams made him the 13th overall draft pick out of Pitt. In the seven years that followed, he was named a first-team All-Pro seven times.

Donald has 98 sacks in his eight NFL seasons and has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his eight NFL seasons.

–Field Level Media