Aaron Donald, the legendary defensive tackle, remains one of the most dominant forces in NFL history. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champion continues to draw the attention of fans even in retirement. A recent light-hearted moment has the former Rams star trending once more for his unbreakable connection to football.
Former Pittsburgh Panther and retired NFL defensive tackle Aaron Donald looks at his wife and kids during his jersey number retirement ceremony during halftime of the Pittsburgh Panthers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on November 15, 2025.
Former Pittsburgh Panther and retired NFL defensive tackle Aaron Donald looks at his wife and kids during his jersey number retirement ceremony during halftime of the Pittsburgh Panthers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on November 15, 2025.
Donaldhas gone viral for a playful home video where he attempts to block his wife Erica during a fun football drill. Donaldtakes the left tackle role and successfully stones her rush before declaring, “Locked yo ass up.”
🚨🚨TRENDING🚨🚨
This video of legendary #Rams DT Aaron Donald attempting to block his wife has gone viral on social media.
Donald said that if anyone needs a left tackle next season, he will be available to start.
AD to his wife: “Locked yo ass up”
pic.twitter.com/3UPxithexJ
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) February 21, 2026
He then jokes that if any team needs a left tackle next season, he will be available to start. The 20-second clip shows the retired defensive end in casual clothes, turning family time into competitive reps with the same intensity that defined his career.
Donald played 10 seasons exclusively with the Los Angeles Rams from 2014 to 2023. He was drafted 13th overall in 2014 out of Pittsburgh. He also earned 10 Pro Bowl selections 8 first-team All-Pro honors 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards and helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI in 2021.
He retired on March 15, 2024, citing feeling complete and burnt out at age 32 after achieving everything possible in the game.
Aaron Donald’s career NFL earnings total exactly $158,060,498, all from contracts with the Rams. He signed a lucrative 3-year, $95 million extension in 2022, among other deals that made him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks.
Aaron Donald adds new milestones to storied career
Retirement has not slowed Aaron Donald’s impact on the sport. If anything, it has added new meaning to everything he built on the field.
In 2025, he was inducted into the Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame, a proud full-circle moment at the school where his rise to greatness began. The honor celebrated not just his awards, but the relentless work ethic that first put him on the national stage.
Beyond recognition, Donald has poured energy into his foundation, supporting young athletes and mentoring the next generation.
He has also stayed connected to the Rams, offering guidance and leadership behind the scenes. Even without pads and a helmet, his influence continues to grow.