Aaron Donald had eight Pro Bowls, seven All-Pro nods and four Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name before Super Bowl 56. Now, he can add a Lombardi Trophy to his Hall of Fame-caliber resume.
Donald's Rams defeated the Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl 56, giving the franchise its first title since 2000. The 30-year-old defensive tackle was emotional about earning the victory.
SUPER BOWL 56: Final score, highlights as Rams win second title
NBC's Michele Tafoya interviewed Donald in the immediate aftermath of the Rams' win. He had tears of joy streaming down his face and explained what he was feeling as the confetti fell at SoFi Stadium.
"I wanted this so bad. I dreamed this, man. I dreamed this. And it's like — it's surreal," Donald said. "Look at this! I feel amazing. I feel amazing. I feel great."
The emotion from Aaron Donald 🥺#SBLVI #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/mDdtU3iH23
— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2022
Donald had every reason to feel great. He played a huge part in the Rams' success on defense. They limited the Bengals to just 20 total points and sacked Joe Burrow seven times in the game, tied for the most in Super Bowl history with the Steelers, who sacked Roger Staubach seven times in Super Bowl X.
IYER: Is Matthew Stafford a Hall of Famer?
Donald had two of the Rams' sacks, and he also was a key force on Los Angeles' final defensive play of the game. He got early pressure on Burrow and forced him to throw the ball away on fourth down to seal the win.
AARON FRICKIN' DONALD.#RAMSHOUSE #SBLVI pic.twitter.com/KbmZYWmjN9
— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2022
What was going through Donald's head right before that final play?
"Strain, strain," Donald said, referencing a defensive rallying cry common at all levels of football. "One last play to be world champs. Give it everything you've got and find a way to get to him."
MORE: Sean McVay says he'll return for 2022 season, downplays retirement rumors
Donald did, and that sealed the win.
What's next for Donald? There were rumors that he could retire from the NFL if the Rams won a title, but he was simply staying in the moment after the game.
"It's the best feeling in the world," Donald said. "God is great. I'm at a loss for words. I don't know what to say. This is a blessing."
