Aaron Donald Announces NFL Return: Rams Prepare for Epic Season

In 1995, Michael Jordan simply stated, “I’m back” when he returned to the NBA. Fast forward, and Aaron Donald announced his NFL comeback with an elaborate video on Instagram.

“I let him out the house y’all,” posted Erica Donald, wife of the defensive lineman, on X.

At 35, Donald is returning to the Los Angeles Rams after retiring in 2024 and 2025. He will resume his career, which has already spanned a decade. His announcement echoed Jordan’s famous return, declaring, “We back.” Setting the scene, Donald was seen on the field for the Rams versus Seattle Seahawks game on September 10, 2023.

Donald has signed a one-year contract worth $20 million, with potential to rise to $30 million by 2026, according to sources. Known for his vigorous workouts, Donald once again trained rigorously, contributing to his reputation as one of the NFL’s top defenders. He participated in two official tryouts with the Rams, and supplemented this with two daily sessions with his trainers over six weeks. Dietary changes have also been part of his comeback strategy.

His return comes with two primary objectives:

• Recapture the form that made him a renowned defensive player, featuring three Defensive Player of the Year titles and nine All-Pro selections.
• Aim to win the Super Bowl.

The Rams are clearly focused on a championship season, which may have fueled Donald’s renewed enthusiasm.

Additionally, the Rams have acquired Myles Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, in June. Together, Garrett and Donald hold five Defensive Player of the Year awards, potentially forming one of the most formidable defensive lines in NFL history. This offseason saw the Rams also adding cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to bolster their defense.

Consider this: McDuffie and Watson, previously with the Kansas City Chiefs, now serve as starting cornerbacks for the Rams. McDuffie is known for his Pro Bowl caliber skills, marking a significant upgrade to the team’s defensive roster.

In addition to these defensive changes, the Rams have MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm, striving to rebound from their NFC Championship loss to the Seattle Seahawks last season.

The approach in Los Angeles this season is clear: achieve a Super Bowl victory with Donald, Garrett, McDuffie, Stafford, and others. The offseason indicates strategic moves, fueling anticipation for an extraordinary season.

Follow Armando Salguero, OutKick’s Senior NFL Writer, on X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO