Rams Legend Aaron Donald Opens Up on Decision to Retire from NFL: 'I'm Burnt Out'

After announcing his retirement from the NFL last week, Aaron Donald is offering insight into how he ultimately decided to walk away.

In a video clip shared on social media, Donald explained he's "burnt out" from the grind of preparing for and going through an entire season, but that he also feels "complete" with everything he accomplished over 10 seasons.

Donald quietly announced his decision with a video and brief statement on X posted on March 15.

The decision didn't come completely out of nowhere. There was speculation prior to Super Bowl 56 when Donald and the Los Angeles Rams were preparing to play the Cincinnati Bengals he would strongly consider retiring if the Rams won.

Los Angeles prevailed in that game, 23-20, to capture the franchise's second Super Bowl. Donald ultimately returned after agreeing to a restructured deal in the offseason that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

After an injury-plagued 2022 season that saw him play just 11 games, Donald said retirement "never really crossed my mind" because he didn't want to end his career on a down note.

The decision to return in 2023 worked out great for Donald and the Rams. He recorded 23 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss and eight sacks. The Rams made the playoffs with a 10-7 record with a young roster that is set up well for the future.

Donald's resume over the course of 10 seasons is as impressive as any player's in NFL history. He made the Pro Bowl ever year, was an eight-time All-Pro first-team selection and is one of three players to be named Defensive Player of the Year three times.

Since entering the NFL in 2014, Donald's 111 sacks are 9.5 more than anyone else in the league. Khalil Mack (101.5) is the only other player with at least 100 sacks during that span.