Super Bowl champ, 3-time defensive player of year Aaron Donald retires from NFL

Defensive lineman Aaron Donald has announced his retirement after a standout 10-year career with the Los Angeles Rams.

The three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year made his surprising announcement on social media Friday.

The 32-year-old Donald spent his entire career with the Rams, who drafted him in the first round in 2014. He was selected for 10 Pro Bowls and eight all-pro first teams, and he won the award as the league's top defensive player in 2017, 2018 and 2020.

"Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically — 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be," Donald said in a statement. "I respected this game like no other, and I'm blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. Not many people get drafted to a team, win a world championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted."

Cheers to what’s next. Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support over these last 10 years. Much love.