Super Bowl champion Aaron Donald RETIRES from the NFL: LA Rams tackle is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in history

LA Rams star Aaron Donald has announced his retirement after a stellar ten-year career.

After being selected No. 13 overall in 2014, the defensive tackle earned eight All-Pro selections, three AP Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl ring in 2022 when LA beat the Bengals.

He is just the second DT ever to reach 100 sacks (111 total), one of the greatest defensive players ever and a surefire Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible. 

On X, Donald shared a highlight video and pictures of a long statement announcing his decision to retire, captioning the post, '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.'

In the statement, he said, 'For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level. I'm thankful for the people I've met along the way, the relationships I've built and the things I've accomplished with my teammates and individually.'

Aaron Donald's resume includes a Super Bowl win in 2022, when the Rams beat the Bengals

Donald earned eight All-Pro selections and three AP Defensive Player of the Year awards

The Rams shared a humorous tribute to Donald, who ends his career with 111 sacks

Donald went on to thank the cities of St. Louis (where he began his career before the Rams moved) and Los Angeles, as well as owner Stan Kroenke.

He continued, 'There are far too many people in the organization to thank specifically, but I will never forget the relationships. I appreciate everyone on the field, off the field and behind the scenes that made my job smooth. I know I'm going to miss my teammates and the camaraderie we had in the building, as well as the coaches who will continue to have a lasting impact on me.

'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. 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.

'As I turn my focus to a new chapter, I don't know what the future holds, but I am excited about the off the field possibilities. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric and Aali. The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side, and I can't wait to watch them live our their dreams just as they watched me live out mine.' 

Donald last month enjoyed a vacation with his wife, Erica - something he'll be able to do far more now that he's hung his cleats up. 

The Rams honored Donald was a series of posts, calling him 'the best to ever do it' and sharing a tribute from Kroenke.

Donald was known for his physical play, oftentimes manhandling QBs like Joe Burrow (above)

He cited a desire to spend more time with his wife, Erica, and his kids in his retirement decision

Donald is seen celebrating with one of his children after Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium

The defensive tackle recently enjoyed a vacation with his wife Erica, which they posted online

'It is a privilege to have witnessed one of the greatest players of all time and we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be part of NFL history as a member of the Rams,' Kroenke wrote.

Donald's teammate Cooper Kupp also said, 'Thankful to have been able to watch, learn from, and play alongside one of the best to ever do it. Appreciate you @AaronDonald97! Feel sorry for whoever has to line up across from you, in whatever it is you want to do next!'

The team also shared a graphic of the player with the words, 'Quarterbacks Rejoice,' a humorous nod to the way Donald victimized passers over his 10-year career. 

Now-former NFC West Kyler Murray leaned into that idea, writing,  Honored to have competed against the best of All-Time! @AaronDonald97. Enjoy ya retirement and [please] don’t come back.'

After converting $13.9 million of his 2024 salary into a signing bonus, Donald will have earned $170.9million over the course of his career per Spotrac.

He signed a six-year $135 million contract extension with LA in 2018.