Former Los Angeles Rams All-Pro Aaron Donald has made rumblings about a potential comeback in 2026 after the 10-time Pro Bowler retired in 2024.
The chances of the standout defensive tackle coming out of retirement look significantly more likely after TMZ released photos of Donald working out at the Rams’ facilities on Friday.
?? EXCLUSIVE: Deep breath, Rams Nation … Aaron Donald was spotted working out at the team's practice facility on Friday — as the retired NFL superstar continues to mull a comeback! (?? @TMZ_Sports ) pic.twitter.com/IHjQP5akmD
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 11, 2026
A dominant presence for the Rams with eight All-Pro selections over a 10-year career, Donald has been out of action since he last suited up and recorded eight sacks in the 2023 season.
Speculation about a potential comeback has ramped up since the Rams traded for the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett. Should Donald be able to play anywhere near his own stellar standards, a Donald-Garrett pairing would be a dynamic force for the Rams.
Head coach Sean McVay did little to throw water on the situation last month, saying in part he had “talked to (Donald) about the opportunity to bring him on board.”
“If Aaron decides he wants to dust ‘em off at the age of 35,” McVay said, “I bet you he can still do it at a pretty high clip.”
Donald, who had 111 sacks, 543 tackles and 176 tackles for loss in his career, acknowledged at the time that McVay’s pitch had piqued his interest.
“It for sure got me thinking,” Donald told media personality Pat McAfee.
Garrett, 30, owns the NFL record for sacks in a season with 23 last year. He has played nine seasons and 134 career games and recorded 412 career tackles, 125.5 sacks, 23 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries, all with the Cleveland Browns.
–Field Level Media
