Aaron Donald Went Through 'Grueling Summer' to Prepare for NFL Comeback, Rams GM Says

Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead doesn't doubt Aaron Donald did put in the required work as the three-time Defensive Player of the Year makes his return to the NFL.

Snead said Monday on The Pat McAfee Show that Donald "put himself through a grueling summer." Once the future Hall of Famer decided a comeback might be on the cards, he became fully committed to preparing physically for potentially playing again:

In terms of the bigger picture, Snead said getting Donald back is about maximizing the Rams' championship window:

Donald retired in 2024 when he was 32, and he was coming off a season in which he was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro. He finished 2023 with 53 combined tackles, eight sacks and 16 tackles for loss.

Because he seemingly had something left in the tank, the idea of a comeback was thrown around after he walked away but never seriously entertained.

That changed this summer when TMZ Sports obtained footage of Donald working out at the Rams' facility.

Still, his return wasn't a foregone conclusion.

Only hours before it became official, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported there was "still no firm answer" on Donald's status, and the involved parties were not in a rush for a resolution.

Donald appears to be in great shape, but nothing can fully simulate game action. His last meaningful snaps were in January 2024.

From that standpoint, getting him on the field in the preseason would've been helpful to shake off some of the rust.

Given the depth they have along the line, L.A. doesn't necessarily need Donald to be a perennial All-Pro, though. Byron Young and Myles Garrett will provide a threat off the edge, with Kobie Turner and Poona Ford working the inside.

When opposing teams have to account for so many talented pieces, Donald might find life easier than it ever was during his first run with the Rams.