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NFL icon out of retirement to join Melbourne-bound Rams
Reuters • August 31st, 2026 10:00 am
Famous for being one of the greatest trainers in the gym, Aaron Donald is making his NFL comeback | Photo: AP
Ahead of the NFL season opener between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, the Rams defence will now feature two players who have combined to win five NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.
The Rams announced on Sunday (Monday NZT) that defensive tackle Aaron Donald has ended his retirement and will return to the only team he played for over 10 spectacular seasons.
The contract terms were not disclosed, though multiple reports say it's a one-year, $20 million deal (NZ$33.8m) with playoff incentives reportedly pushing that figure to $30 million (NZ$50.7m).
Donald, 35, will join two-time Defensive Player of the Year and newly acquired Myles Garrett to form an intimidating defensive line.
Donald retired in March 2024 after spending all 10 of his NFL seasons with the Rams. He recorded 111 sacks, earned eight first-team All-Pro selections and was named to the Pro Bowl in every season of his career.
The possibility of a comeback emerged after Los Angeles began considering a trade for star pass rusher Myles Garrett. McVay contacted Donald to get his opinion of Garrett, and the conversation eventually shifted to whether Donald might be interested in playing alongside him.
The Rams acquired Garrett in June, adding the reigning Defensive Player of the Year to a team that reached the NFC Championship Game in 2025.
LA Rams defensive end Myles Garrett is about to have a new partner to help attack the quarterback | Photo: AP
"He's put himself in a position to be able to say yes or no," head coach Sean McVay said about Donald's potential return after the Rams' 20-12 preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on August 15.
Prior to his retirement, Donald recorded 543 tackles, 24 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries in 154 career games (150 starts) with the Rams.
The Rams and 49ers play at the MCG on Friday September 11.
