Aaron Donald's wife, Erica, poked fun at the swirling rumors that her husband could soon come out of retirement and make an NFL comeback with the Los Angeles Rams
15:00 ET, 15 Jul 2026Updated 15:00 ET, 15 Jul 2026
Aaron Donald's wife, Erica, poked fun at the rumors surrounding her husband's possible NFL return
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Aaron Donald's wife, Erica, poked fun at the rumors surrounding her husband's possible NFL return(Image: Getty Images)
Aaron Donald's wife, Erica, seemingly poured cold water on speculation that her husband could emerge from retirement and return to the Rams.
Ever since the Rams pulled off a blockbuster trade for star pass-rusher Myles Garrett last month, rumors have reached a fever pitch that Donald could lace up his cleats once more and chase a Super Bowl ring with Los Angeles. The 35-year-old promptly stoked the hearsay after being spotted working out at the team's practice facility last week.
As fans, players and pundits alike continue to theorize about Donald's potential comeback, Erica poked fun at the swirling reports surrounding his return. Taking to social media, she wrote, "I’m learning so much” alongside three crying laughing emojis.
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The football world was sent into a frenzy last Friday when Donald was photographed running drills in Woodland Hills, California. Images obtained by TMZ Sports showed the three-time Defensive Player of the Year taking part in ladder drills, medicine ball throws and agility work.
Former Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth revealed that Donald "definitely" has "a pique of interest" in staging a comeback, though he noted that the 10-time Pro Bowler is known to train consistently regardless of any playing intentions.
"Aaron's a guy like me," Whitworth told the California Post at the American Century Championship in Nevada. "He's training all the time no matter what.
"You know when you go in there a few days how you feel and whether that's every day life feel good, or I could sign up to play football. But only he will know that."
Aaron Donald revealed that he is 'flirting with the idea' of making an NFL comeback
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Aaron Donald revealed that he is 'flirting with the idea' of making an NFL comeback(Image: Getty Images)
This is far from the first occasion Donald has hinted — whether deliberately or not — at potentially suiting up for the Rams once again. In a conversation with NFL insider Jordan Schultz, he remarked: "I'm for sure flirting with the idea.
"Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it's a possibility."
Should Donald ultimately choose to come out of retirement and rejoin the Rams, he would instantly make up one of the league's most dominant pass rushes alongside Garrett.
Following his trade from the Browns to the Rams, Garrett expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of teaming up with Donald. "Haven't talked yet, but definitely expect to talk soon," he told Rams reporter J.B. Long back in June.
"I don't know what his plans are and I won't pretend to know. I know a lot of people are excited and thrilled about the idea of him coming back. But just being able to talk to him, learn from him, I'll take all the advice I can.
"He's a great one for a reason, so just trying to get him in here talking to the guys. Especially the defensive line, that can mean a lot."
Donald demonstrated he still has plenty left in the tank during his final NFL season in 2023, recording 53 tackles, 23 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three passes defended across 16 games.
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Doubts persist, though, about whether Donald's physique can still endure the demands of a 17-game season.
"I think it's going to be how comfortable he is with going back out there and understanding not the positive, but the negative," Whitworth said of Donald. "And that is you get injured. Injuries, things that affect you past football. It's going to be how comfortable he is with that."