The Los Angeles Rams are without a familiar face for the first time this season.
Former Ram Aaron Donald, who announced his decision to retire back in March, won’t be on the field this season.
The former AP Defensive Player of the Year will surely be in Canton someday (he’s eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2029), but for now, Los Angeles’ defense heads into its first season post-Donald.
Here’s what to know about Donald’s decision to retire, as well as which names now make up the Rams’ defensive line without him.
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Why did Aaron Donald retire?
After 10 seasons in the NFL, Donald announced his decision to retire on X on March 15.
“For 10 years, I have been fortunate enough to play the game at the highest level,” Donald said in his statement. “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.”
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. 🍾🙏🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/edGxkUYdLz
— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) March 15, 2024
While he didn’t fully explain it initially, it was easily drawn that the former defensive tackle’s decision to retire likely weighed on the health aspects of being in the NFL for 10 years, plus how draining it can be year round, as he mentioned in his statement.
Donald has since reflected on his decision and provided more context to it, saying he doesn’t have as much passion for football as he once did and that he’s “complete” — especially for a player who didn’t have much, if anything, left to accomplish.
He certainly retired while he was still a productive player; Donald posted eight sacks and 53 tackles in 2023 as the Rams made the playoffs.
After the Rams’ Super Bowl victory in 2022, there were rumors that Donald was considering retirement. Instead, he signed a new three-year, $95 million extension that offseason.
He wouldn’t finish out that contract before making his exit from the league.
The 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Pitt, Donald racked up 10 Pro Bowl selections, three AP Defensive Player of the Year honors, and eight first-team All-Pro selections in his NFL career, cementing himself as one of the best defensive players the game has ever seen.
Who will replace Aaron Donald?
Rams defense line depth chart
| LDE | Braden Fiske | Tyler Davis | Desjuan Johnson | Tuli Letuligasenoa |
| NT | Bobby Brown III | Larrell Murchison | Cory Durden | Carlos Watkins |
| RDE | Kobie Turner | Anthony Goodlow | David Olajiga |
Replacing Donald isn’t exactly easy. His "direct" replacement is Kobie Turner, a second-year pro from Wake Forest who was drafted in the third round last season. He played all 17 games, starting four and posting 57 tackles, giving the Rams a nice return on their investment.
However, the Rams will more accurately attempt to replace him with a group effort, led by two more young defenders.
A pair of Florida State products, LB Jared Verse and DE/DT Braden Fiske, were Los Angeles’ picks in the first round and second rounds, respectively. Clearly looking to replace Donald’s production with youth, the Rams are hoping the two former Seminoles will make an impact as rookies.
Outside of those additions, Brown is back for his fourth year with the Rams and Turner has become a young standout talent after nine sacks as a rookie.
While the Rams’ defense will look different without Donald on the field, he’s still been around the organization. The team shared that he was at a joint practice in August.
A goated guest at joint practice today!
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 14, 2024
👋 @AaronDonald97 pic.twitter.com/szIB7k7TIh
Donald ranks among the best defensive players the NFL has ever seen. Without him, Los Angeles will be looking to replace a lot of individual production as it begins its season against the Lions.
