In 1995, Michael Jordan simply said, “I’m back” to announce his return to the NBA. Fast forward to today, Aaron Donald took a more elaborate approach with a video announcement on Instagram, marking his return to the NFL.
There’s an instant reaction from his wife, Erica Donald, who humorously posted on X, “I let him out the house y’all.” Donald, at 35 years old, is making a comeback to the Los Angeles Rams after being retired in 2024 and 2025, aiming to continue his illustrious career.
With the succinct message, “We back,” Donald echoed Jordan’s famous declaration. His return comes with a one-year contract valued at $20 million, potentially escalating to $30 million for 2026, according to a source.
Donald has been training rigorously, maintaining the intense style that built his reputation in the NFL. His workouts led him to become an exceptional defensive player over his 10-year career. He has had two tryouts with the Rams, working out twice daily for six weeks, alongside altering his diet.
The defensive lineman has two main objectives for his return:
- Reconquer his previous level of performance that earned him three Defensive Player of the Year awards and nine All-Pro selections.
- Secure another Super Bowl victory.
The Rams have rekindled Donald’s passion by pursuing championship contention this season. In June, they acquired Myles Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, adding significant strength to their defense lineup.
With Garrett and Donald combining their five Defensive Player of the Year titles, there’s potential for them to become one of the greatest defensive lines in NFL history if they perform to expectations.
Additionally, the Rams strengthened their defense by signing cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson from the Kansas City Chiefs, including McDuffie, known for his Pro Bowl-caliber performance.
“The Rams added two starting corner backs from the Kansas City Chiefs. McDuffie, a Pro Bowl-level player, and Watson will boost the team’s defense further.”
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the reigning MVP, extends the team’s potential as they aim to triumph in the Super Bowl after missing out last season against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
The Rams demonstrated an impressive offseason with their strategic acquisitions. Their efforts signal a strong pursuit of victory that leaves both fans and analysts eager for upcoming performances.
Armando Salguero, OutKick’s Senior NFL Writer, shares insights on these developments on his social media platform.