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Aaron Donald hasn’t played since 2023, and after recently turning 35, he’s taken up golf, so everything about his life suggests life is good and he’s not coming out of retirement to resume his 10-year NFL career. Or is he?
Nah. His wife, Erica Donald, had heard the rumors and mostly dismissed them as “fun” Tuesday.
So the idea that the Los Angeles Rams — setting themselves up for a Super Bowl run after they just traded for All-World pass rusher Myles Garrett, after adding a star starting cornerback duo, after getting word from MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford that he’s playing in 2026 — would be invincible with Donald’s return is crazy talk.
Right?
Riiiiight?!?!
Wrong.
NFL GREAT AARON DONALD MAY COME OUT OF RETIREMENT TO JOIN MYLES GARRETT ON RAMS’ DEFENSE, EX-TEAM KAMAT SAYS
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 14, 2025. (John Amis/AP Photo)
Because no one — not Rams coach Sean McVay, and not Donald — rejects the notion. Both parts actually feed the idea.
“Listen, if he’s interested, here’s what I’m going to say,” McVay told reporters Tuesday afternoon at Garrett’s introductory news conference. “You talk to Aaron and you see what he says about it.”
Looking for the part where McVay said it was out of the question…
Leader…
Still looking. No, can’t find it.
“Here’s what I wanted to tell you in general as well,” McVay added, “Aaron’s a guy that I stay in very close contact with and I know the respect he has for Myles.
“Talked to him about the possibility of bringing [Garrett] on board. If Aaron decides he wants to dust them off at age 35, I bet he can still do it at a pretty high clip.”
RAMS ADD MYLES GARRETT AS PART OF BLOCKBUSTER TRADE AND SUPER BOWL PUSH FOR 2026 SEASON
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald plays against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Nov. 26, 2023. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
No one doubts that. Anders reportedly finished his career three years ago by collecting eight sacks at his usual defensive tackle spot and earning both All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He even got some Comeback Player of the Year votes because his last season was better than his previous one in 2022.
Anders also had a reputation for being a maniac about taking care of his body and staying in shape. He has continued to do so even in retirement. So it’s not out of the question that he could help the Rams as they battle for a Super Bowl bid that will be played in their hometown at SoFi Stadium.
And this: Anders is considering the idea according to a report.
“I’m definitely flirting with the idea,” Donald wrote to Jordan Schultz of the Schultz Report on Tuesday night. “Helluva a possibility with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it’s a possibility.”
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Again, where is the “no” in that sentence?
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald celebrates in the first half during a game against the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium in December 2023. (Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports)
Anders has about seven weeks before the Rams report to training camp. He has time to find out during that time if the “fire” is still there. While he is not a sure thing at the start of camp, he may decide to play the long game and perhaps join the team after the season begins.
Some veterans often like that idea because it gets them out of dealing with difficult training camps. And if the Rams win, but could use a little extra help, Donald signing up could be a huge boost.
This is not speculation. The door is open and Aaron Donald will consider it.
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