LeBron James made his big summer decision in the NBA. In football, the Los Angeles Rams and the rest of the NFL await Aaron Donald’s decision.
Will Donald decide to come out of retirement to join the Super Bowl-favorite Rams? Donald’s been training this offseason as a ponders a potential return.
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Rams head coach Sean McVay said on July 25 that Donald hasn’t closed the door on a return, but there’s no timetable on when a decision may happen.
“He is going through his process. He is putting himself in a position to make a decision. He’s earned the right to be able to do that,” McVay said. “He’s very diligent. Anything that he does he does all in. He’s going through a very strict regiment and process, similar to what he did when he played to see how his body responds and feels. ..
“We’ll see when we have more information whether or not we’re gonna give it a go or whether or not he’s gonna continue to enjoy what he’s been doing for the last couple years. But if that is something that he wants to do, we’re gonna be able to try to make that happen.”
Donald has been mulling a comeback since the Rams acquired defensive end Myles Garrett in a blockbuster June trade.
Donald retired in 2024 as the franchise’s all-time sacks leader, and is widely considered one of the greatest defenders of all time. The Rams have made certain they’d welcome the 35-year-old and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year back with open arms if he indeed decides to come out of retirement.
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The future Hall of Famer is two years removed from football and in his mid-30s, but those around the league are confident Donald can still be an impact player; Donald was routinely double-teamed throughout his career but the defensive tackle would likely see less attention because of the respect Garrett commands off the edge.
McVay’s belief only reinforces that idea.
“If Aaron Donald decides that he wants to be a part of it, I do think that he’s gonna impact and influence positive change,” McVay said. “I don’t think. I know he would.”
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Trust the process? Aaron Donald mulls Rams return as training camp begins
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