Aaron Donald Comeback Watch Begins as Sean McVay Drops Major Retirement Update

Ram head coach Sean McVay is optimistic about Aaron Donald unretiring himself to play for the LA team, but the final decision rests with Donald.

Aaron Donald Comeback Watch Begins as Sean McVay Drops Major Retirement Update

Aaron Donald (Image via IMAGO)

The Los Angeles Rams are the favorite to win Super Bowl 61 at their own stadium, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. It can get a generous boost if Aaron Donald links up with the squad. And if all goes according to plan, head coach Sean McVay believes Donald might unretire.

But before that, Donald must prove that he’s ready to undergo the same intense training as everyone else. McVay knows that Donald, 35, follows a strict training regimen to stay in shape.

Anything that [Aaron Donald] does, he does all-in. And so he’s going through a very strict, regimented process that was similar to what he did when he played.

Sean McVay said via Sarah Barshop of ESPN

That may be so, but training in isolation and training with teammates are very different processes. Before making his decision to return to football after a two-year gap, the Rams have to see whether Donald is up to the task.

We’ll see how his body’s responding to some of the training and the way that he puts himself through the paces to know what it looks and feels like to be ready to take on what the rigors of an NFL season entail.

McVay said

Only then will the Rams give Donald the green light. However, McVay made it clear the final decision to unretire rests with Donald.

He’s earned the right to be able to do it.

McVay said

A couple of weeks earlier, Donald spent an hour at the Rams facility. Per inside sources, the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year did some light practice before heading home. Later, Rams All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams teased Donald’s comeback on social media.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport speculated that even if Donald announces his return, it’s unlikely that he will play a full four quarters week in and week out.

He’d be more of a spot guy… But yes, Aaron Donald does seem to be exploring this possibility.

Rapoport said on The Insiders
RELATED
‘Emotional’ Ryan Clark Tears Up After Getting Fired By ESPN, Admits He Faces Subtle Episodes of Racism

NFL analyst sounds off on Aaron Donald’s return

Per FOX Sports metrics, the Rams, with +550, boast the best odds to win Super Bowl 61 next February. It basically implies the Rams have among the best, if not the best, roster in the league.

Aaron Donald Comeback Watch Begins as Sean Mcvay Drops Major Retirement Update
Aaron Donald (Image via IMAGO)

Moreover, the Rams added reigning DPOY Myles Garrett at edge and two-time Super Bowl champion DB Trent McDuffie. They already have the reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford as their starting signal-caller. And Puka Nacua, who last year caught 129 passes for 1715 yards and scored 10 touchdowns alongside last year’s TD leader (14), Adams.

Outkick’s NFL analyst Bobby Burack believes that adding Donald to the roster will be a disservice to the rest of the league.

This is bad for the NFL. The MLB season is not interesting because the Dodgers are so much better than the rest. Rams already added Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie this offseason. Adding Aaron Donald just further widens the talent gap between the Rams and everyone else.

Burack tweeted

Burack’s not the only one. Previously, Hall of Famer Michael Irvin had urged the NFL to stop Donald from coming out of retirement.

You cannot allow Aaron Donald. I don’t care if he’s been off for a few years. I don’t care what you think. You can’t allow Aaron Donald.

Irvin said

Regardless, as McVay noted, the decision rests with Donald. And bringing a superstar back to the league is only great news for the NFL.

Donald, a first-round draft pick, played 154 games for the Rams from 2014-2023. He tallied 543 tackles, 111 sacks and 176 tackles for loss.

Also Read: