Aaron Donald Explains What Convinced Him to Make Stunning Rams Return

At long last, star defensive tackle Aaron Donald has officially stepped out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams on a one-year, $20 million deal worth up to $30 million if he hits playoff incentives.

Although the tea leaves were starting to add up with Donald’s increased activity in his workouts and training over the last several weeks, there hadn’t been any clarity about whether he would make a comeback.

The three-time league MVP finally made that decision and is set to be part of what he believes is a “complete team” with eyes on pushing them toward the ultimate prize.

“Obviously, seeing what was being done with this team, pieces that was getting brought here. It’s like, ‘OK, that’s a complete team,'” Donald said Sunday evening via ESPN. “And then you see other moves they make, and it’s like, ‘OK, I wish I was still out there playing right about now.'”

Donald revealed that he completed 13 to 14 weeks of nonstop training to put himself in a position to determine whether a return was feasible after being retired for the last two-plus years.

“Just wanted to take my time and make the right decision because once you choose to come back, you all the way back in,” Donald said. “Can’t be halfway in, got to be all the way in it. So, had to get to that point where I felt like I will feel like I’m 100% committed to playing football again because the last two years been amazing.”

Head coach Sean McVay voiced that there isn’t a timetable for Donald to take the field, leaving his status uncertain for Week 1 action in Australia against the San Francisco 49ers.

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The Rams still have over a week to decide whether Donald will be physically ready to play for the season opener on Sept. 10.