Aaron Donald Weighs an NFL Return at Age 35 Sport By lines July 23, 2026 Aaron Donald is weighing an NFL return at age 35. Rams coach Sean McVay confirmed the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is mulling a comeback. Donald retired two years ago after 10 seasons. What McVay Said About a Donald Comeback McVay spoke about Aaron Donald on The Daily Flock podcast this week. McVay said Donald is thinking about a return and will go through his process. McVay added that Donald attacks everything full speed ahead. Donald visited the Rams training facility in early July. Comeback buzz around Aaron Donald built through the offseason. Donald walked away in 2024 while still playing at an elite level. He posted 111 career sacks and rarely missed time with injury. A return at age 35 would rank among the boldest in recent NFL memory. Donald retired in March 2024 as the Rams all-time sack leader with 111. He won Defensive Player of the Year three times, in 2017, 2018 and 2020. Donald earned 10 Pro Bowl nods and eight first-team All-Pro selections. He never posted fewer than eight sacks in any of his 10 seasons. Only three players have won Defensive Player of the Year three times. Donald shares that group with J.J. Watt and Lawrence Taylor. He capped his career by helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI. Donald recorded double-digit sacks in six different seasons. Donald also posted a viral workout video that fueled the comeback buzz. The clips showed the 35-year-old moving well in offseason training. Pass rushers rarely return sharp after two full years away. Donald’s floor of eight sacks per year sets a high bar for any reunion. A Donald return would reshape the Rams defensive front in 2026. Los Angeles has stayed patient and has not pressured the 35-year-old. Donald has made no firm decision on a comeback yet. Any deal would need a fresh contract two years after he walked away. Donald will set his own timeline before training camp ramps up. McVay said he bets Donald can still play at a high clip. The Rams open camp with a need along the interior line. Fans will track every workout clip from the future Hall of Famer. A signing would also lift ticket demand and Super Bowl buzz in Los Angeles. Related Sports Coverage NFL Training Camps Open as Seahawks Defend Crown Josh Allen Tops ESPN QB Rankings as Bills Chase Title NFL Players Push for Grass After World Cup Success Sources: NFL.com and Yahoo Sports reported McVay’s podcast comments on Aaron Donald. Bleacher Report and Turf Show Times covered Donald’s viral workout video and possible return.
