Aaron Donald
{{Short description|American football player (born 1991)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Aaron Donald
| image = Aaron Donald 2020 (cropped).jpg
| alt =
| caption = Donald with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020
| current_team =
| number = 99
| position = Defensive tackle
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|5|23}}
| birth_place = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 1
| weight_lbs = 280
| high_school = Penn Hills
(Penn Hills, Pennsylvania)
| college = Pittsburgh (2010–2013)
| draftyear = 2014
| draftround = 1
| draftpick = 13
| pastteams =
- St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams ({{NFL Year|2014|2023}})
| status =
| highlights =
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2014)
- 8× First-team All-Pro (2015–2021, 2023)
- 10× Pro Bowl (2014–2023)
- Deacon Jones Award (2018)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2013)
- Chuck Bednarik Award (2013)
- Lombardi Award (2013)
- Outland Trophy (2013)
- Bill Willis Trophy (2013)
- Unanimous All-American (2013)
- Second-team All-American (2011)
- ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
- First-team All-ACC (2013)
- First-team All-Big East (2012)
- Second-team All-Big East (2011)
| statlabel1 = Total tackles
| statvalue1 = 543
| statlabel2 = Sacks
| statvalue2 = 111.0
| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles
| statvalue3 = 24
| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries
| statvalue4 = 7
| statlabel5 = Pass deflections
| statvalue5 = 21
| pfr = DonaAa00
}}
Aaron Charles Donald{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DonaAa00.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} (born May 23, 1991) is an American former professional football defensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons with the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams franchise. He is considered one of the greatest defensive players of all time.{{Cite web |last=Gagnon |first=Brad |date=June 10, 2021 |title=Could Aaron Donald Be the Greatest Defensive Player in NFL History? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2944366-could-aaron-donald-be-the-greatest-defensive-player-in-nfl-history |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=September 5, 2021 |title=Damien Harris calls Aaron Donald the best defensive player of all time |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2021/09/05/rams-nfl-aaron-donald-damien-harris-best-player/ |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Baldinger |first=Brian |author-link=Brian Baldinger |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Why Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is the greatest interior defensive lineman of all time |url=https://www.nfl.com/videos/why-los-angeles-rams-defensive-tackle-aaron-donald-is-the-greatest-interi-436333 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com}}
Donald played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers, where he won the Bronko Nagurski, Outland, and Bill Willis trophies and the Chuck Bednarik and Lombardi awards as senior. He was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, spending his first two seasons with the team in St. Louis and his remaining eight in Los Angeles. During his NFL career, Donald was named Defensive Player of the Year a record three times, along with receiving Pro Bowl selections in all 10 of his seasons and eight first-team All-Pro honors. Donald was also a member of the team that won Super Bowl LVI.
Early life
A native of Pittsburgh, Donald grew up as one of three children in a working-class family in the city's Lincoln–Lemington–Belmar neighborhood. His father introduced him to workouts, seeking to provide more structure in his son's life. Donald himself later admitted that he was "lazy as a kid." By age 12, he and his father woke up at 4:30 am and worked out for nearly two hours in the basement gym that his father installed in the family home.{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |date=January 12, 2019 |title=How Rams DT Aaron Donald became the NFL's most unstoppable force |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/39627/how-rams-dt-aaron-donald-became-the-nfls-most-unstoppable-force |access-date=January 12, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}
Donald attended Penn Hills High School, where he played high school football for head coach Ron Graham.{{Cite web |last=Divittorio |first=Michael |title=Penn Hills cherishes Aaron Donald as he prepares for Super Bowl debut |url=https://triblive.com/sports/nfl/14566877-74/penn-hills-cherishes-aaron-donald-as-he-prepares-for-super-bowl-debut |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=triblive.com|date=February 2019 }} He was selected first-team All-State Class AAAA in each of his final two seasons, and compiled 63 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks as a senior. Donald also started at offensive guard.
Considered a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, he was rated as the 37th best defensive tackle in the nation.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald, 2010 Defensive Tackle |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2010/aaron-donald-16845 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}} He committed to hometown Pittsburgh over other scholarship offers from Toledo, Akron, and Rutgers.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald Recruit Interests |url=https://247sports.com/Recruitment/Aaron-Donald-3193/RecruitInterests/ |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=247sports.com}}{{Cite web |last=Bouchette |first=Ed |date=January 29, 2019 |title=Dave Wannstedt and Pitt didn't know what they had in Aaron Donald. Then camp began. |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2019/01/29/aaron-donald-rams-patriots-super-bowl-dave-wannstedt-pitt/stories/201901290088 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |language=en}}
College career
As a true freshman in 2010, Donald played in all 13 games as a reserve defensive end for the Pittsburgh Panthers. He recorded 11 tackles, including three for loss, and two sacks.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/aaron-donald-1/gamelog/2010 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
In 2011, as a sophomore, Donald moved into the starting lineup and turned in a breakout campaign. He recorded 47 tackles, including 16 for loss, 11 sacks, and a forced fumble while being named a second-team All-Big East Conference selection.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/aaron-donald-1/gamelog/2011 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
As a junior in 2012, Donald recorded 64 tackles, including 18.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, earning first-team All-Big East honors.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/aaron-donald-1/gamelog/2012 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}
In his senior season, Donald became one of the most productive defensive players in the entire NCAA. He posted 59 tackles, including a career best 28.5 for loss, 11 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Donald was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a unanimous All-American.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/aaron-donald-1/gamelog/2013 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2013 |title=Aaron Donald named ACC Defensive Player of the Year |url=http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120413aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305132951/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120413aaa.html |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=January 17, 2014 |website=www.pittsburghpanthers.com}}
=College statistics=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||||||
| colspan="7" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Pittsburgh Panthers}}"| Pittsburgh Panthers | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | GP | Cmb | TfL | Sck | Int | FF |
| 2010
| 13 || 11 || 3 || 2.0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||
| 2011
| 13 || 45 || 16 || 11.0 || 0 || 1 | ||||||
| 2012
| 13 || 64 || 18.5 || 5.5 || 0 || 1 | ||||||
| 2013
| 13 || 59 || 28.5 || 11.0 || 0 || 4 | ||||||
| Total{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/aaron-donald-1.html |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} || 52 || 179 || 66 || 29.5 || 0 || 6 |
=Awards and honors=
- Lombardi Award{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2013 |title=Pitt's Aaron Donald named winner of Lombardi Award |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/pitt-s-aaron-donald-named-winner-of-lombardi-award-0ap2000000297028 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy{{Cite web |last=Adelson |first=Andrea |date=December 10, 2013 |title=Aaron Donald wins Nagurski Award |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/64623 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}
- Chuck Bednarik Award{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald wins Chuck Bednarik Award to cap big week |url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/12/pittsburgh_defensive_tackle_aa.html |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=lehighvalleylive.com |date=December 13, 2013 |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}
- Outland Trophy{{Cite web |last=Werner |first=Sam |date=December 13, 2013 |title=Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald's dominance noted at awards show |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2013/12/12/Aaron-Donald-wins-2013-Outland-Trophy/stories/201312120325 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |language=en}}
Professional career
=Pre-draft=
At the NFL Combine, Donald set the record for fastest 40-yard dash time for a defensive tackle with a 4.68. The record was previously held by Tank Johnson, who ran a 4.69 in 2004. He drew comparisons to John Randle afterwards.{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Josh |date=April 24, 2014 |title=2014 NFL Draft: Aaron Donald compared to John Randle |url=https://fansided.com/2014/04/24/2014-nfl-draft-aaron-donald-compared-john-randle/ |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=FanSided |language=en-US}}
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 0 3/4
| weight = 285
| dash = 4.68
| ten split = 1.63
| twenty split = 2.69
| shuttle = 4.39
| cone drill = 7.11
| vertical = 32
| broad ft = 9
| broad in = 8
| bench = 35
| arm span = 32 5/8
| hand span = 9 7/8
| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/aaron-donald/3200444f-4e13-4977-da01-4e2f082de38b |title=Aaron Donald Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=March 9, 2022}}{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald – Pittsburgh, DT : 2014 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile |url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=106898&draftyear=2014&genpos=DT |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528124615/http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=106898&draftyear=2014&genpos=DT |archive-date=May 28, 2014 |access-date=June 2, 2014 |website=www.nfldraftscout.com}}
}}
=2014=
File:Aaron Donald 2014 combine.jpg]]
{{See also|2014 St. Louis Rams season}}
Donald was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the first round with the 13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL draft.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=May 9, 2014 |title=Rams add Aaron Donald to their first-round haul |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/08/rams-add-aaron-donald-to-their-first-round-haul/ |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}} On June 16, 2014, the Rams signed Donald to a four-year, fully guaranteed $10.13 million rookie contract. The contract also included a $5.69 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option.{{Cite web |title=Sportrac.com:Aaron Donald contract |url=http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/los-angeles-rams/aaron-donald-14422/ |access-date=October 28, 2016 |website=Sportrac.com}}
On September 7, 2014, Donald made his regular season debut against the Minnesota Vikings and finished the 34–6 loss with four tackles.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at St. Louis Rams – September 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070ram.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} The following week, he recorded three tackles and his first NFL sack during a 19–17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – September 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140tam.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On October 13, 2014, he was given his first career start against the San Francisco 49ers and finished the game with four solo tackles.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams – October 13th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201410130ram.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} After recording 47 tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles, Donald was one of five rookies selected to the 2015 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2014 St. Louis Rams Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2014.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Donald won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=January 31, 2015 |title=Aaron Donald nets Defensive Rookie of the Year honors |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000466462/article/aaron-donald-nets-defensive-rookie-of-the-year-honors?campaign=twitter_atn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208051132/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000466462/article/aaron-donald-nets-defensive-rookie-of-the-year-honors?campaign=twitter_atn |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2014.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
= 2015 =
{{See also|2015 St. Louis Rams season}}
In 2015, Donald began the season as a starting defensive tackle. During the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, he finished with nine total tackles and two sacks, helping the Rams win 34–31 in overtime.{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams – September 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509130ram.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was named National Football Conference (NFC) Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in his NFL career for his performance.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=September 16, 2015 |title=Aaron Donald is 2015's first NFC defensive player of the week |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/09/16/aaron-donald-is-2015s-first-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-week/ |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en}} On December 13, 2015, Donald made five tackles and a career-high three sacks against the Detroit Lions in Week 14.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions – October 16th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610160det.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Meinke |first=Kyle |title=Aaron Donald offers violent reminder of what could have been for Lions |url=http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2015/12/aaron_donald_offers_violent_re.html |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=MLive.com |date=December 14, 2015 |language=en-US}} He earned his second NFC Defensive Player of the Week award in 2015 after his performance against the Lions.{{Cite web |last=McAtee |first=Joe |date=December 16, 2015 |title=Rams DT Aaron Donald Named Week 14 NFC DPOW |url=https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2015/12/16/10293346/st-louis-rams-aaron-donald-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-week |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Turf Show Times|publisher=SB Nation}}
Donald started all 16 games, ending the season with 69 tackles, 11 sacks, a pass defended, and a fumble recovery.{{Cite web |title=2015 St. Louis Rams Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2015.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned a First-team All-Pro selection for the first time in his NFL career.{{Cite web |last=Broner |first=Tevin |date=January 9, 2016 |title=Three St. Louis Rams Make 2015 All-Pro Team |url=https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2016/1/9/10739378/st-louis-rams-all-pro-aaron-donald-todd-gurley-johnny-hekker |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Turf Show Times}} He was a Pro Bowl selection for the second consecutive season.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/probowl.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was also ranked 14th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2016=
{{See also|2016 Los Angeles Rams season}}
On September 12, 2016, Donald was ejected for making illegal contact with a referee in a 28–0 shutout road loss to the 49ers on Monday Night Football.{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |date=September 13, 2016 |title=Rams DT Aaron Donald ejected after popping off WR's helmet |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17535265/aaron-donald-los-angeles-rams-ejected-fourth-quarter |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=Max |date=September 13, 2016 |title=Aaron Donald not expected to be suspended |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-donald-not-expected-to-be-suspended-0ap3000000701777 |access-date=September 13, 2016 |website=NFL.com}} Four days later, he was fined $21,269 for unnecessary roughness ($9,115) and unsportsmanlike conduct ($12,154).{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=September 16, 2016 |title=Fines: Aaron Donald docked $21K for two infractions |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000703786/article/fines-aaron-donald-docked-21k-for-two-infractions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917030927/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000703786/article/fines-aaron-donald-docked-21k-for-two-infractions |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |website=NFL.com}} During a Week 4 17–13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, Donald had 1.5 sacks, five total tackles, one tackle-for-loss, five quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals – October 2nd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610020crd.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week for the third time in his career after his performance against the Cardinals.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=October 5, 2016 |title=Aaron Donald named NFC defensive player of the week |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/10/05/aaron-donald-named-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-week/ |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en}} On October 21, 2016, he was fined $18,231 for an unsportsmanlike conduct after committing the penalty during a game against the Lions. Donald was named to his third straight Pro Bowl and his second First-team All-Pro.{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2017 |title=Three rookies, Matt Ryan among players named to All-Pro team |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/three-rookies-matt-ryan-among-players-named-to-all-pro-team-0ap3000000770458 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com |agency=Associated Press}} Donald was also ranked 15th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2017=
{{See also|2017 Los Angeles Rams season}}
On April 12, 2017, the Rams exercised the fifth-year option on Donald's contract.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=April 12, 2017 |title=Rams exercise fifth-year option on Aaron Donald |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-exercise-fifth-year-option-on-aaron-donald-0ap3000000799356 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} He did not report to training camp and preseason due to a contract extension dispute. He accumulated about $1.4 million in fines due to his non-participation, and each game that he missed cost him one game check from his base salary of $1.8 million.{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Alden |date=September 7, 2017 |title=Holdout Aaron Donald expected to miss opener for Rams |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20619172/holdout-aaron-donald-expected-miss-opener-los-angeles-rams |access-date=September 7, 2017 |website=ESPN.com}} On September 9, 2017, Donald reported to the Rams and passed his physical; however, he did not play in the season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts the next day, which the Rams won 46–9.{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=September 9, 2017 |title=Aaron Donald ends holdout, reports to Rams facility |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-donald-ends-holdout-reports-to-rams-facility-0ap3000000841241 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} Donald made his season debut against the Washington Redskins and recorded two tackles in the 20–27 loss. In the next game against the 49ers, he recorded three tackles and sacked Brian Hoyer in the fourth quarter to seal a 41–39 road victory for the Rams.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers – September 21st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709210sfo.htm |access-date=September 22, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} From Weeks 6–9, Donald recorded a sack in each game and had a forced fumble in three of them.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald Game by Game Stats and Performance|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/gamelog/_/id/16716/type/nfl/year/2017 |access-date=January 22, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference}} During a Week 15 42–7 road victory over the Seahawks, he recorded five tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks – December 17th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712170sea.htm |access-date=December 18, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On December 19, 2017, Donald was named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2017 |title=NFL announces 2018 Pro Bowl rosters |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/updated-player-rosters-for-2018-pro-bowl-in-orlando-0ap3000000895772 |access-date=December 26, 2017 |website=NFL.com}} He was also later named a first-team All-Pro for the third time.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Mike |date=January 7, 2018 |title=Aaron Donald wraps up All-Pro season with first NFL playoff appearance |url=https://www.cardiachill.com/2018/1/7/16861190/aaron-donald-2017-all-pro-team-first-nfl-playoff-nfc-wild-card-game-pitt-panthers-los-angeles-rams |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Cardiac Hill}} Donald finished the 2017 season with 41 tackles, 11 sacks, and a career-high five forced fumbles.{{Cite web |title=2017 Los Angeles Rams Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/2017.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} After a stellar 2017 season, Donald was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=February 3, 2018 |title=Aaron Donald named NFL Defensive Player of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/aaron-donald-named-nfl-defensive-player-of-the-year-0ap3000000913863 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} He was ranked #7 by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2018-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2018=
{{See also|2018 Los Angeles Rams season}}
On August 31, 2018, after holding out all offseason, Donald signed a six-year, $135 million contract extension with $87 million guaranteed.{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=August 31, 2018 |title=Rams sign Aaron Donald to six-year, $135M extension |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-sign-aaron-donald-to-6-year-135m-extension-0ap3000000957415 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} The deal made him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history, until Khalil Mack signed a $141 million contract with the Chicago Bears the next day after being traded from the Oakland Raiders.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=September 1, 2018 |title=Khalil Mack agrees to six-year, $141M Bears deal |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/khalil-mack-agrees-to-six-year-141m-deal-with-bears-0ap3000000957557 |access-date=September 1, 2018 |website=NFL.com |language=en}}
During Week 7 against the 49ers, Donald finished with four sacks on quarterback C. J. Beathard, along with nine tackles, six for a loss, and five quarterback hits in a 39–10 road victory, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week for the fourth time in his career.{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2018 |title=Cam Newton, Aaron Donald among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cam-newton-aaron-donald-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000000977807 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} Donald was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for the month of October after recording eight sacks, 17 tackles, and a forced fumble.{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=November 1, 2018 |title=Todd Gurley, James Conner lead players of October |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000983085/article/aaron-donald-james-conner-among-players-of-the-month |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102003628/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000983085/article/aaron-donald-james-conner-among-players-of-the-month |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 2, 2018 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 16, Donald recorded seven tackles (four for a loss) and three sacks in a 31–9 victory over the Cardinals, earning him his fifth NFC Defensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |date=December 26, 2018 |title=Nick Foles, Baker Mayfield among NFL Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nick-foles-baker-mayfield-among-nfl-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001004438 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} His three sacks brought his season total to 19.5, which broke the record for most sacks in a season by a defensive tackle, previously held by Keith Millard with 18.0.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=December 23, 2018 |title=Aaron Donald sets single-season sack record for defensive tackles |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/12/23/aaron-donald-sets-single-season-sack-record-for-defensive-tackles/ |access-date=December 28, 2018 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Sports}} Donald added another sack in Week 17 against the 49ers and finished the season with a league-leading 20.5 sacks.{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Defense |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/defense.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – December 30th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201812300ram.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Donald was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December, his second such award in the season.{{Cite web |last=Simmons |first=Myles |date=January 3, 2019 |title=Aaron Donald Named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December |url=https://www.therams.com/news/aaron-donald-named-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-month-for-december?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=www.therams.com |language=en-US}} Donald was named to the Pro Bowl for his 2018 season.{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/probowl.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
On January 4, 2019, Donald was named to the AP All-Pro First-team, being the only unanimous selection.{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=January 4, 2019 |title=Aaron Donald, Todd Gurley named 2018 first-team All-Pros |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/04/nfl-rams-aaron-donald-todd-gurley-all-pro-selection-2018/ |access-date=January 14, 2019 |website=Rams Wire |language=en}} On February 2, 2019, Donald was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season,{{Cite web |last=Thiry |first=Lindsey |date=February 2, 2019 |title=Rams' Aaron Donald wins second straight Defensive Player of Year |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles-rams/post/_/id/39866/rams-aaron-donald-wins-second-straight-defensive-player-of-year |access-date=February 2, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} joining Lawrence Taylor and J. J. Watt as the only players who have won the award in consecutive seasons.{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2019 |title=Aaron Donald joins Taylor, Watt as only back-to-back Defensive Players of the Year |url=http://www.foxsports.com/west/story/aaron-donald-joins-lawrence-taylor-jj-watt-as-only-back-to-back-defensive-players-of-the-year-los-angeles-rams-020219 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=FOX Sports |language=en-US}} Donald helped the Rams defeat the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round and the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship to reach the Super Bowl.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams – January 12th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901120ram.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship – Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints – January 20th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901200nor.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Super Bowl LIII Donald recorded five tackles but the Rams lost by a score of 13–3 to the New England Patriots, with the Patriots offensive linemen (including Joe Thuney) double teaming Donald in order to neutralize his effectiveness which was cited as a key factor in the result.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LIII – Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots – February 3rd, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201902030ram.htm |access-date=February 11, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Steven |date=January 28, 2019 |title=How will the Patriots deal with Aaron Donald? By running at him. |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/01/super-bowl-53-rams-patriots-bill-belichick-aaron-donald |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=For The Win |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=How the Patriots Held the Rams to Three Points in Super Bowl LIII |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gpTzVGqBuQ |access-date=July 31, 2019 |website=YouTube | date=February 12, 2019 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Tyler |date=February 11, 2019 |title=Joe Thuney dominated Aaron Donald on Patriots' TD drive |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/Article/Joe-Thuney-dominated-Aaron-Donald-on-Patriots-TD-drive--128985869/ |access-date=July 1, 2019 |website=New England Patriots |language=en-US}} He was ranked as the best player in the NFL by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=August 1, 2019 |title=Aaron Donald earns No. 1 spot on Top 100 Players for 2019 |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/07/31/nfl-rams-aaron-donald-top-100-players-ranking-best/ |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Rams Wire |language=en-US}}
=2019=
{{See also|2019 Los Angeles Rams season}}
File:Aaron donald 2019 (cropped).jpg
During Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, Donald recorded his first sack of the season on Baker Mayfield in the 20–13 road victory.{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2019 |title=Goff throws 2 TDs passes, Rams hold off Browns 20–13 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128125 |access-date=September 22, 2019 |website=ESPN}} However, six days after the game, he was fined $21,056 for a roughing the passer hit on Mayfield. Three weeks later against the 49ers, Donald sacked Jimmy Garoppolo twice in the 20–7 loss.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2019 |title=49ers remain unbeaten with 20–7 win over slumping Rams |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128128 |access-date=October 13, 2019 |website=ESPN}} In the next game against the Atlanta Falcons, Donald recorded a strip sack on Matt Ryan and recovered the football in the 37–10 road victory.{{Cite web |date=October 20, 2019 |title=Rams snap skid by beating Falcons 37–10 as Ryan hurts ankle |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127940 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=ESPN}} During Week 11 against the Bears on Sunday Night Football, Donald recorded two sacks, four tackles, and a pass defensed in a 17–7 victory, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.{{Cite web |date=November 17, 2019 |title=Gurley, Brown help Rams ground out 17–7 win over Bears |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128133 |access-date=November 17, 2019 |website=ESPN}}{{Cite web |last=Bergman, Jeremy |date=November 20, 2019 |title=Dak Prescott, Josh Allen among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/dak-prescott-josh-allen-among-players-of-the-week-0ap3000001078811 |website=NFL.com}} During Week 16 against the 49ers, he sacked Garoppolo 1.5 times during a 34–31 road loss.{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2019 |title=49ers eliminate Rams from playoff contention with 34–31 win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127900 |access-date=December 21, 2019 |website=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Donald was selected for the 2020 Pro Bowl after finishing the 2019 season with 48 tackles, 12.5 sacks, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 16 games and starts.{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2019/probowl.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald 2019 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DonaAa00/gamelog/2019/ |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned First Team All-Pro honors.{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2019/allpro.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was ranked third by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2020-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2020=
{{See also|2020 Los Angeles Rams season}}
In the season opener against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, Donald recorded his first sack of the season on Dak Prescott during the 20–17 win.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams – September 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009130ram.htm |access-date=September 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Two weeks later against the Buffalo Bills, he recorded two sacks on Josh Allen, one of which was a strip sack that he later recovered during the 35–32 road loss.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Buffalo Bills – September 27th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009270buf.htm |access-date=September 28, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} During Week 5 against the Washington Football Team Donald recorded four sacks during the 30–10 road victory.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Washington Football Team – October 11th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010110was.htm |access-date=October 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=October 14, 2020 |title=Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, Steelers WR Chase Claypool among Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kyler-murray-chase-claypool-patrick-queen-aaron-donald-players-of-the-week |access-date=October 14, 2020 |website=NFL.com}} Three weeks later against the Miami Dolphins Donald recorded a strip sack on rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on Tagovailoa's first career passing attempt during the 28–17 road loss.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Miami Dolphins – November 1st, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011010mia.htm |access-date=November 4, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 12 against the 49ers, Donald recorded a sack on Nick Mullens and forced a fumble on running back Raheem Mostert that was recovered and returned by teammate Troy Hill for a touchdown during the 23–20 loss.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – November 29th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011290ram.htm |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
Donald was selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=December 21, 2020 |title=Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey are Rams' only Pro Bowlers |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2020/12/21/rams-pro-bowl-players-aaron-donald-jalen-ramsey/ |access-date=December 22, 2020 |website=The Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today}} He earned First Team All-Pro honors.{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2020/allpro.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs against the Seahawks, Donald sacked Russell Wilson twice during the 30–20 win.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks – January 9th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101090sea.htm |access-date=January 10, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On February 6, 2021, Donald was named 2020 NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in four years.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=February 6, 2021 |title=Rams DT Aaron Donald wins AP Defensive Player of the Year for third time |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-dt-aaron-donald-wins-ap-defensive-player-of-the-year |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}} He was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2021-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2021=
{{See also|2021 Los Angeles Rams season}}
In Week 12 against the Green Bay Packers, Donald choked guard Lucas Patrick. He was fined $10,300 for his behavior. Two weeks later, Donald had three sacks, five tackles, three for a loss, and a pass deflection in a 30–23 road victory over the Cardinals, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=December 15, 2021 |title=Chargers QB Justin Herbert, 49ers TE George Kittle lead NFL Players of the Week |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-week-2021-week-14-justin-herbert-george-kittle |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=NFL.com}} He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December.{{Cite web |last=DaSilva |first=Cameron |date=December 30, 2021 |title=Aaron Donald wins NFC Defensive Player of the Month for December |url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/30/rams-aaron-donald-nfc-player-month-december/ |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}} Donald earned a Pro Bowl nomination and First Team All-Pro honors.{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/probowl.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/allpro.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Similar to what happened in Week 12, Donald choked D. J. Humphries in the Wild Card Round against the Cardinals and threw a punch.{{Cite web |last=Rogust |first=Scott |date=January 17, 2022 |title=Watch: Aaron Donald tries to choke Cardinals player during Wild Card game (Video) |url=https://fansided.com/2022/01/17/aaron-donald-choke-wild-card-game-video/ |access-date=January 18, 2022 |website=FanSided |language=en-US}} The Rams won the game 34–11 to advance to the Divisional Round, where they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30–27.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams – January 17th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201170ram.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – January 23rd, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201230tam.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
In the NFC Championship, his pressure of 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo led to a game-sealing interception as the Rams won their second NFC Championship in four seasons, by a score of 20–17.{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship – San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – January 30th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202201300ram.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals, Donald had two sacks and three quarterback hits, including the game-sealing pressure play on Joe Burrow on a fourth-and-1 with less than a minute remaining that resulted in an incompletion and the 23–20 win.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LVI – Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals – February 13th, 2022 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202202130cin.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Henderson |first=Brady |date=February 14, 2022 |title=Aaron Donald focusing on 'the moment,' not future, after game-sealing play delivers Los Angeles Rams elusive Super Bowl win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33286933/aaron-donald-focusing-moment-not-future-game-sealing-play-delivers-los-angeles-rams-elusive-super-bowl-win |access-date=February 20, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}} He was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2022-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2022=
{{See also|2022 Los Angeles Rams season}}
On June 7, 2022, the Rams announced they had re-negotiated Donald's existing contract extension that was signed in 2018. The deal, which added $40 million over the last three years of the original six-year, $135 million deal, makes Donald the first non-quarterback to average more than $30 million per season.{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=June 8, 2022 |title=Sources: DT Aaron Donald gets big raise from Los Angeles Rams in reworked contract |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34048688/dt-aaron-donald-gets-big-raise-los-angeles-rams-reworked-contract |access-date=June 8, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}} On August 25, Donald was part of a joint-practice fight between the Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. During the fight, Donald was recorded swinging a Bengals player's helmet at Bengals players.{{Cite web |last=Camenker |first=Jacob |date=August 25, 2022 |title=Aaron Donald fight: Rams DL swings two helmets at Bengals players during brawl at practice |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/aaron-donald-fight-rams-bengals-brawl-helmet-practice/kqsczr5pzj8iezgie9rsyikw |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Sporting News |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=Polacek |first=Scott |date=August 25, 2022 |title=Rams' Aaron Donald Swings Helmet in Video of Fight With Bengals During Joint Practice |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10046651-rams-aaron-donald-swings-helmet-in-video-of-fight-with-bengals-during-joint-practice |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=September 5, 2022 |title=Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald brushes off practice fight, vows 'my main focus is Buffalo' |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34531148/los-angeles-rams-star-aaron-donald-brushes-practice-fight-vows-my-main-focus-buffalo |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}
Donald suffered an ankle sprain during a road loss against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13.{{Cite web |last=McCarriston |first=Shanna |date=November 30, 2022 |title=Aaron Donald injury: Rams All-Pro DT out for Week 13 vs. Seahawks after suffering high ankle sprain|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/aaron-donald-injury-rams-all-pro-dt-out-for-week-13-vs-seahawks-after-suffering-high-ankle-sprain/|access-date=July 10, 2023|website=CBS Sports}} For the ninth time, he earned Pro Bowl honors.{{Cite web |title=2022 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2022/probowl.htm |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Donald missed the team's final six games and finished his abbreviated season with 49 combined tackles, ten tackles for loss, and five sacks.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald 2022 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DonaAa00/gamelog/2022/ |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was ranked 11th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.{{Cite web |title=2023 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2023-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=2023=
{{See also|2023 Los Angeles Rams season}}
During the 2023 season, Donald recorded eight sacks, with 53 total tackles (28 solo), and three passes defended as he helped the Rams to a 10–7 record and a return to the playoffs.{{Cite web |title=Aaron Donald 2023 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DonaAa00/gamelog/2023/ |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Donald earned Pro Bowl honors for the tenth time and first-team All-Pro honors for the eighth time.{{Cite web |title=2023 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2023/probowl.htm |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2023 NFL All-Pros |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2023/allpro.htm |access-date=February 24, 2024 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=Retirement=
On March 15, 2024, Donald announced his retirement on social media.{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=March 15, 2024 |title=Rams 8-time All-Pro DT Aaron Donald announces retirement after 10 seasons in NFL |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/rams-8-time-all-pro-dt-aaron-donald-announces-retirement-after-10-seasons-in-nfl |access-date=March 15, 2024 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Stu |date=March 15, 2024 |title=Aaron Donald announces retirement |url=https://www.therams.com/news/aaron-donald-announces-retirement |access-date=March 15, 2024 |website=Los Angeles Rams}} In a July 2024 interview with former Miami Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder, Donald cited already feeling more than accomplished in the sport and no longer having the desire or passion to continue the persistent training as reasons for his retirement at age 32.
NFL career statistics
| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="2"| Legend |
| style="background:#00ffff; width:3em;"| |
| style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|
| Won the Super Bowl |
| style="background:#cfecec; width:3em;"|
| Led the league |
| Bold
| Career high |
= Regular season =
| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Tackles ! colspan="6"| Interceptions ! colspan="4"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | |
| 2014 | STL
| 16 || 12 || 48 || 38 || 10 || 9.0 || 18 || 1 || — || — || — || — || — || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2015 | STL
| 16 || 16 || 69 || 44|| 25 || 11.0 || 22 || 1 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 1 || 40 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2016 | LAR
| 16 || 16 || 47 || 36 || 11 || 8.0 || 17 || 5 || — || — || — || — || — || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| style="background:#00ffff"|2017 | LAR
| 14 || 14 || 41 || 32 || 9 || 11.0 || 15 || 1 || — || — || — || — || — || 5 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| style="background:#00ffff"|2018 | LAR
| 16 || 16 || 59 || 41 || 18 || style="background:#cfecec"| 20.5 || style="background:#cfecec"| 25 || 1 || — || — || — || — || — || 4 || 2|| 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | LAR
| 16 || 16 || 48 || 29 || 19 || 12.5 || style="background:#cfecec"| 20 || 2 || — || — || — || — || — || 2 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| style="background:#00ffff"|2020 | LAR
| 16 || 16 || 45 || 27 || 18 || 13.5 || 14 || 1 || — || — || — || — || — || 4 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | style="background:#afe6ba"|LAR
| 17 || 17 || 84 || 38 || 46 || 12.5 || 19 || 4 || — || — || — || — || — || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | LAR
| 11 || 11 || 49 || 27 || 22 || 5.0 || 10 || 2 || — || — || — || — || — || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | LAR
| 16 || 16 || 53 || 28 || 25 || 8.0 || 16 || 3 || — || — || — || — || — || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 | ||||||||||||||||
| colspan="2" |Career{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DonaAa00.htm | title=Aaron Donald Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com }} | 154 | 150 | 543 | 340 | 203 | 111.0 | 176 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 7 | 40 | 0 |
= Postseason =
| class= "wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | |||||||||||||||||
| rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team ! colspan="2"| Games ! colspan="5"| Tackles ! colspan="6"| Interceptions ! colspan="4"| Fumbles | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | |
| style="background:#00ffff"|2017 | LAR
| 1 || 1 || 5 || 4 || 1 || 0.5 || 1 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | ||||||||||||||||
| style="background:#00ffff"|2018 | LAR
| 3 || 3 || 9 || 5 || 4 || 0.0 || 3 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | ||||||||||||||||
| style="background:#00ffff"|2020 | LAR
| 2 || 2 || 4 || 3 || 1 || 2.0 || 2 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | ||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | style="background:#afe6ba"|LAR
| 4 || 4 || 13 || 6 || 7 || 3.5 || 4 || 1 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | LAR
| 1 || 1 || 3 || 1 || 2 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — || — | ||||||||||||||||
| colspan="2"| Career{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DonaAa00/gamelog/post/ | title=Aaron Donald Career Game Log | website=Pro-Football-Reference.com }} | 11 | 11 | 34 | 19 | 15 | 6.0 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Awards and highlights
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}
=NFL=
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020)
- 2× Sporting News NFL Player of the Year Award (2018, 2020)
- 6× Pro Football Focus Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
- 4× Kansas City Committee of 101 NFC Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020)
- 2× PFWA NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2018, 2020)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2014)
- 8× First-team All-Pro selection (2015–2021, 2023)
- 10× Pro Bowl selection (2014–2023)
- Deacon Jones Award (2018)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- Sporting News 2010s All-Decade Team
- Ranked No. 92 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015
- Ranked No. 14 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016
- Ranked No. 15 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017
- Ranked No. 7 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018
- Ranked No. 1 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019
- Ranked No. 3 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020
- Ranked No. 2 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021
- Ranked No. 2 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022
- Ranked No. 11 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023
- 3× NFC Defensive Player of the Month (2018 – October; 2018 – December; 2021 – December)
- 8× NFC Defensive Player of the Week (2015 – Week 1, Week 14; 2016 – Week 4; 2018 – Week 7, Week 16; 2019 – Week 11; 2020 – Week 5; 2021 – Week 14)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team – 2010s{{Cite web |title=Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Teams – 2010s |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/ |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}
=College=
- ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2013)
- Chuck Bednarik Award (2013)
- Lombardi Award (2013)
- Outland Trophy (2013)
- Second-team All-American (2011)
- Unanimous All-American (2013)
Personal life
Donald's older brother, Archie Jr., was a star linebacker at Toledo who "bounced around the NFL as an undrafted free agent until retiring in 2012".{{Cite web |title=Archie Donald – Football |url=http://utrockets.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3643 |access-date=August 2, 2019 |website=University of Toledo Athletics |language=en}} The brothers, who shared bunk beds in their childhood, frequently thought about one day helping their parents retire, which became one of the driving forces in Aaron's career. On April 27, 2020, Donald revealed on Twitter that he had graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in communications.{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Megan |date=April 27, 2020 |title=Rams' Aaron Donald Earns Degree, Graduates from Pittsburgh |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2889020-rams-aaron-donald-earns-degree-graduates-from-pittsburgh |access-date=July 5, 2020 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}
In 2021, Donald and his wife had a son. Donald also has two other children, a daughter and a son, from a previous relationship.{{cite web|url=https://fanbuzz.com/nfl/aaron-donald-wife/|title=Aaron Donald Met His Wife While She Worked For the Rams|first=Daniell|last=Marlow|website=FanBuzz|publisher=iMedia Brands|date=February 8, 2022|access-date=February 13, 2022}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Footballstats|yahoo=27541 |pfr=D/DonaAa00|espn=16716|nfl=aaron-donald}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20131104055501/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/aaron_donald_710949.html Pittsburgh Panthers bio]
{{Navboxes
| title = Aaron Donald—awards, championships, and honors
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{{Atlantic Coast Conference football Player of the Year navbox}}
{{Lombardi Award}}
{{Bronko Nagurski Trophy}}
{{Chuck Bednarik Award}}
{{Outland Trophy}}
{{2013 NCAA Division I FBS College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{2014 NFL Draft}}
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{{St. Louis Rams 2014 draft navbox}}
{{AP Defensive Rookies of the Year}}
{{AP Defensive Players of the Year}}
{{Super Bowl LVI}}
{{NFL sack leaders}}
{{100 sacks club}}
{{NFL Top 100}}
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{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Donald, Aaron}}
Category:All-American college football players
Category:American football defensive tackles
Category:Los Angeles Rams players
Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players
Category:NFL Defensive Player of the Year winners
Category:NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winners
Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football players
Category:Players of American football from Pittsburgh