With Aaron Donald returning to action for the first time in over two seasons, Los Angeles Rams fans made it clear what they thought of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, sending him an ovation at every turn
Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up prior to the game against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium on September 21, 2026 in Inglewood, California
Aaron Donald made his highly anticipated return against the New York Giants in Week 2(Image: Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
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The Rams faithful more than made their thoughts clear on Aaron Donald's return to Los Angeles.
Much had been made about the Rams' defense, trading for star cornerback and two-time Super Bowl champion Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett, one of the best defensive players of his generation. With Los Angeles having already had two star defenders, the Rams received a boost when Donald announced he was unretiring for one last Super Bowl push.
And when the star arrived at SoFi Stadium, the fans on hand made it clear how they felt about the three-time Defensive Player of the Year's presence in Los Angeles.
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On the way into SoFi Stadium, I noticed a fair number of fans wearing the 36-year-old's No. 99 jersey, with the excitement of seeing the star play for the first time in over two seasons palpable. When I arrived at my seat in the press box, it was evident just how much fans missed seeing No. 99 on the field.
During warmups in the hour or so before the game, fans who arrived early at their seats caught a glimpse of Donald as he went through his preparations for his first game in over two seasons. When they saw him, the scattered crowd erupted in cheers, with the star trying his best to lock in for his first game back.
When the defense was announced before the game, each player received a hearty ovation as fans showered their stars with love. The ovation reached a new level, however, when Donald made his way onto the field, SoFi Stadium now almost fully packed with Rams and Giants fans alike.
Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams signs autographs for fans prior to the game against the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium on September 21, 2026 in Inglewood, California
Aaron Donald was warmly greeted by Los Angeles Rams fans at SoFi Stadium in his return(Image: Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
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By virtue of his jersey being the last number, Donald took a moment for himself after defensive end Kobie Turner, No. 91, ran out to the field after his number was called. Hopping in place more than 20 times, Donald was given the go-ahead to run to the field, finalizing his return.
Slowly jogging as he made his way out of the tunnel with his arms out, Donald retracted his arms and sprinted to his teammates as the crowd on hand erupted in joy, showering the star with adoration. With New York receiving the ball, fans saw Donald on the field first, and it was clear that the Giants would do all they could to limit the star's impact.
Seemingly on every play, the Giants would have two men holding off Donald, knowing just how deadly he could be in single coverage. Still, the crowd applauded his effort, one tackle for most of the first half.
With 4:01 remaining in the second quarter, Donald notched his second tackle on Giants running back Devin Singletary, sending the crowd into a quasi-frenzy as they celebrated the 36-year-old's play, seemingly ending any notion that SoFi Stadium is the opposing team's second home.
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What's more, with the Giants at third-and-two with under 30 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Donald powered through New York's offensive linemen, snaring running back Najee Harris for a three-yard loss.
Though the play ended with the Giants scoring a field goal to cut into the Rams' 14-3 lead, Donald's impact was felt profoundly.
Rather unsurprisingly, Donald was used in spurts, often playing a number of snaps before taking another off as he worked his body back into game shape.
Regardless of his fitness, the Rams, and their fans, are ecstatic to have him back on the field, a sentiment that was clear from the jump.