Aaron Donald Spotted at Los Angeles Rams Practice Facility

When the Los Angeles Rams acquired reigning NFL sack leader Myles Garrett earlier this offseason, many fans were over the moon because they believed there was a chance the team could coax former All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald out of retirement.

That theory gained some traction over the last few weeks after ESPN insider Adam Schefter speculated

"The fact that it is even a possibility in June [that Donald unretires] tells me that I think there’s every possibility it will become more real in July," Schefter said. "And I think, if and when they present a plan to him as to how he would be used, I think it’s more likely than not that he’ll be back.

"… The fact that the Rams have the team that they do, and the fact that Aaron Donald would get to play with Myles Garrett, and the fact that the Super Bowl is in L.A. this year - I just think the ingredients are there to make it happen."

If Schefter's prediction wasn't enough, Donald fueled the rumors of his NFL return on Friday when video of him at the Rams' training facility started making the rounds on social media.

"🚨 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 posted on X.

The consensus in NFL circles is that Donald will ultimately return to the field this season, according to NFL insider Jason La Canfora.

"Everyone I talk to in the industry believes this is happening," La Canfora wrote. "The future Hall of Famer will don a helmet again and likely wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks."

If the 35-year-old Donald does end his two-year retirement, the Rams would arguably have the most dangerous defense in the NFL.

Donald and Garrett have five Defensive Player of the Year awards, 17 Pro Bowls, and 15 All-Pro selections between them. The team also boasts 27-year-old edge-rusher Kobie Turner, who's totaled 24 sacks over the last three years, 28-year-old edge-rusher Byron Young, who's logged 27.5 sacks over the last three seasons, and two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie.

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This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 10:58 PM.