Aaron Donald has rejoined the Los Angeles Rams, stepping out of retirement after 2 1/2 years to team up with Myles Garrett on the defensive line. The announcement came Sunday from the Rams, following weeks of discussions, preparations, and intensive workouts for the star defensive player.

During his first decade in the NFL, Aaron Donald distinguished himself as one of the top defensive players, spending his career solely with the Rams in both St. Louis and Los Angeles. His impressive career includes three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, 10 Pro Bowl selections, and eight All-Pro honors, along with a Super Bowl victory achieved prior to his unexpected retirement in March 2024.

After spending two years retired with his family, Donald considered returning to the game following the Rams’ acquisition of Myles Garrett, one of the few players capable of matching his skill on the defensive line. Together, Donald and Garrett have captured five of the AP’s last nine Defensive Player of the Year awards, with Garrett securing two of the last three while playing for the Cleveland Browns.

With Donald back on the team, the Rams fortify their defense as they pursue another NFL title under coach Sean McVay, who has orchestrated a successful run. In addition to bolstering their defensive line, the Rams have acquired cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson from Kansas City, improving a defense ready to support the NFL’s best offense from last season. This offense returns key players around league MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Former Pittsburgh Panther and retired NFL defensive tackle Aaron Donald in Pittsburgh in 2025.

The decision to return also shifts Donald’s timeline for Hall of Fame eligibility, which would have been in 2029. However, Donald’s focus is on leveraging the opportunity to compete for a second championship alongside Garrett and dynamic young players Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Braden Fiske, creating a formidable defensive lineup.