“I’m Back”: Aaron Donald Dips Into His Inner Michael Jordan to Announce Return

Aaron Donald had been teasing a possible return to the Los Angeles Rams for weeks after Myles Garrett arrived.

“I’m Back”: Aaron Donald Dips Into His Inner Michael Jordan to Announce Return

Aaron Donald and Michael Jordan (Image via Ari Meirov/Hoops Collection/X)

Over the past several weeks, football fans have been rubbing their hands with glee at the possibility of retired superstar Aaron Donald returning to play for the Los Angeles Rams.

The 35-year-old called it a career after two years of leading the team to win Super Bowl LVI. At the time, he stated that he had achieved it all and was no doubt going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Then, most fans would learn of him when the Pittsburgh alum posted workout videos every now and then. They would marvel at how fit and bulked he stayed when most former athletes start to gain pounds living the retired life.

Some would now say that he was keeping himself ready, but that notion has been thrown around a lot before. Only after the Rams traded for superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett did the possibility of Donald coming back seem possible.

Head coach Sean McVay was not feeding into the rumors, often suggesting that he would give his former team leader his space. Even Donald’s wife got into it, teasing fans every now and then. Then, the dream became a reality, and the superstar announced his return in the best way possible.

I’m back.

Aaron Donald wrote in a letter

This was the D-Tackle’s letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, channeling his inner Michael Jordan to announce that he was returning for what would become his 11th season in the league.

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Rams hope Aaron Donald’s two-word message has the same impact as Michael Jordan’s

The NBA legend gave his two-word message to the sports world back on March 18th, 1995, to signal his return to the NBA after first retiring after the 1993 season. Michael Jordan eventually went on to lead the Chicago Bulls to three more titles before retiring again.

Aaron Donald could help Rams win another ring
Aaron Donald could help Rams win another ring (Image via Barstool Sports/X)

Donald may not stick around for three years, but the Los Angeles Rams are hopeful that his return brings the Vince Lombardi Trophy back to their building.

When they traded away Jared Verse to bring in Myles Garrett, the organization stated its intent to fight for the Super Bowl. Last season, they were a touchdown away from booking their spot for Super Bowl LX.

Had they faced the New England Patriots, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind who would have won that battle. Now, they want to ensure that their NFC Championship Game fourth-quarter duck does not happen again.

For that, not only do they need their offense to click on all cylinders, but with Aaron Donald‘s return, they are banking on the defense to become the reason reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford and his unit get more possessions to do their part.

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Rams to pay Aaron Donald up to $30 million

After the Los Angeles Rams traded for Myles Garrett, many believed that the franchise would struggle to sign top-tier free agents. They had to absorb his monster contract, but that is where the uninitiated get it wrong.

It so happens that even though he has an annual salary of $40 million, the pass rusher’s cap hit for the 2026 season happens to be just $8.4 million. Next year, it nearly doubles. But by then, either Aaron Donald will not be around, or he could agree to a cheaper deal.

That enabled them to give the three-time Defensive Player of the Year $20 million in salary this year. With postseason incentives, that number could rise to $30 million. However, the Rams’ cap only takes a $10 million hit.

Rest assured, GM Les Snead and his team have done enough not just to trade for the best sack artist in the league, but also did enough to convince Aaron Donald that coming out of retirement could be worth it.

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