Ten-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald sent shockwaves through the sports world when a video surfaced showing him working out at the Los Angeles Rams facility. This comes two years after he retired, raising eyebrows about a possible return to the NFL.
The video fueled rampant speculation that Donald might be gearing up to rejoin the league, potentially teaming up with NFL sack leader Myles Garrett for a formidable pass-rushing duo.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Donald's workout served as a trial run as he evaluates his options. “He told the team he wanted to go there, workout, see how he felt, see how he reacted to everything that went along with being back in pads, back on the football field, and seeing how it made him feel,” Schefter stated on the “Pat McAfee Show.”
While the specifics of Donald's feedback post-workout remain unclear, Schefter emphasized that it was primarily a test to gauge his physical and mental readiness for a return.
Speculation suggests that the Rams might limit Donald to 12-15 snaps per game to manage his physical strain at 35 years old. However, given his competitive nature, many doubt that he would accept such a limited role, especially if he’s considering a comeback to chase another Super Bowl title.
No one can predict Donald's ultimate decision — he may still be uncertain himself — but Schefter believes the momentum is leaning toward Donald playing his 11th NFL season in 2026.
“It’s an unbelievably attractive arrangement for him — it’s just a question of whether he wants to go through and do it,” Schefter remarked. “My guess is that he will; just a guess. He’s obviously thinking hard about it, there are a lot of people who want him back.”
“He has to make the decision, ultimately. But I would think it’s got to be awfully enticing for him to come back and play this year when the Super Bowl would be in L.A.”
