It was a sight that sent the NFL world into overdrive.
Just under two years after retiring from football, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald was spotted back at the Los Angeles Rams’ training facility, immediately fuelling speculation one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history could be plotting a sensational return.
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Week 17
Donald, who retired following the 2023/24 season after a decade with the Rams organisation, has remained away from the game despite finishing his career with 111 sacks and a Super Bowl ring.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN insider Adam Schefter revealed the workout was far more than a casual visit.
“He told the team that he wanted to go there, work out, see how he felt, see how he reacted, see everything that went along with being back in pads on the football field, and see how it made him feel,” Schefter said.
“Now, I don’t know what he told them after he went through those workouts at the facility, but I really think it was just a trial method to see how his whole body reacted, how his mind reacted to being back out there.”
Schefter admitted he did not know the outcome of Donald’s conversations with the Rams following the workout but believes the mere fact the future Hall of Famer is considering a return is significant.
“It’s an unbelievably attractive arrangement for him. It’s just a question of whether he wants to go through and do it,” Schefter said.
(FILES) Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. Three-times NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Donald announced on March 15, 2024, that he was retiring from the sport after ten seasons. The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle, an eight-time All Pro selection won the Super Bowl with the Rams in the 2021 season. (Photo by Steph Chambers / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
(FILES) Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. Three-times NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Donald announced on March 15, 2024, that he was retiring from the sport after ten seasons. The Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle, an eight-time All Pro selection won the Super Bowl with the Rams in the 2021 season. (Photo by Steph Chambers / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)Source: AFP
“My guess is in the end that he will, just a guess, because obviously he’s thinking hard about it.
“There are a lot of people that want him back there. He has to make the decision ultimately, but I would think it’s got to be awfully enticing for him to come back and play this year when the Super Bowl will be in LA.
“Just the thought of him even thinking about it tells me it’s going to happen.”
Adding further fuel to the speculation is the Rams’ aggressive offseason.
Los Angeles has already acquired two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, creating the possibility of one of the most feared defensive pairings the NFL has ever seen should Donald decide to return.
Garrett also added to the excitement by posting a photo on Instagram of a signed Donald jersey from when the pair met in 2019.
Meanwhile, Rams wide receiver Davante Adams shared a throwback image of himself shaking hands with Donald, prompting even more discussion across social media.
McAfee revealed he had personally reached out to Donald after Garrett’s arrival in Los Angeles.
“I texted Aaron Donald after the Myles Garrett thing and asked him,” McAfee said.
“The response was very positive, but also, ‘Let me see if I still got it.’ After two years out, he was kind of questioning himself.”
McAfee believes Donald’s time away from the game is the biggest obstacle standing between the former superstar and an NFL comeback.
“How many years has he been out? Two? Two full years.
“I mean, that’s a long time. It is a long time, but he is a freak of nature. The best defensive player I’ve ever seen play the game.
“If he does come back, he’ll see looks that he didn’t see his entire career with having Myles Garrett on that edge. I’m sure you’ll see less double teams.”
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams reacts with Aaron Donald #99 during the second half of Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams reacts with Aaron Donald #99 during the second half of Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==Source: AFP
Donald retired at the age of 32 after 10 seasons, saying at the time he felt there was “nothing left” for him to accomplish.
Now, with the Super Bowl set to be played in Los Angeles, reigning MVP Matthew Stafford leading the offence and Garrett already in place, the circumstances may be perfectly aligned for one of the most remarkable comeback stories in recent NFL history.