Not so long ago, the Los Angeles Rams had the most physical, most powerful, and most dominant defensive force in the league.
And even though it’s been quite a while since we last saw him take the field, it seems like Aaron Donald could still pad up and play tomorrow.
As shown in a clip shared by Dov Kleiman on X, the legendary defensive tackle looks to be in the best shape of his life, and he was easily lifting 130-pound weights.
Insane: The legendary Aaron Donald lifting 130's with EASE and looking like he's in the best shape of his life…🤯👀 pic.twitter.com/4QxSbz3Tm4
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 22, 2025
Donald walked away from the game when he was still a very productive player.
He bounced back after a subpar and injury-riddled campaign, but it looked like he could legitimately play at an elite level for at least another couple of years.
Even so, it’s not easy to endure the wear and tear of an NFL season, especially for a defensive player.
Donald had won absolutely everything he could’ve won.
He had made generational wealth, and at that point in his career, he had no more motivation, hunger, or anything left to prove.
Donald entered the league as the No. 13 pick out of Pittsburgh.
He was often deemed undersized for his position, but what he lacked in height, he made up with unmatched power and aggressiveness.
He won three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, was an eight-time first-team All-Pro, a 10-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion, and went down as one of the greatest players this game has ever seen.
NEXT: Former NFL Player Reveals High Expectations For Rams This Year