The NFL world got a little dimmer after it was announced by Los Angeles Rams perennial defensive end Aaron Donald that he would be stepping away from the game of football.
Donald sent a shockwave through the league, as former players and opponents gave their praise to one of the most dominant defensive ends to ever play the game of football.
Shortly after his retirement, Donald appeared in a video with his wife and explained why he chose to step away from football, despite many believing that he still had at least a few more seasons left in him.
Donald rifled off his accomplishments, which include being a 10x Pro Bowl selection, 8x First-team All-Pro, Super Bowl Champion, 3x DPOTY, and DROTY. He stated that he is “complete” and “full.” After a laundry list of accomplishments like that, it’s understandable he wants to step away.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 14: Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on from the sideline prior to an NFC Wild Card Playoff football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on…
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Despite his retirement being known and publically announced, not everyone is convinced that Donald is truly retired.
Former Rams legend Marshall Faulk revealed on the Bleav in Rams Podcast that he believes Donald may have stepped away due to the money that he was being paid.
“I’m in disbelief, and I’m in such disbelief that I’ve concocted a conspiracy theory that he’s done with the guaranteed money, he saw the money that Chris Jones got – and I don’t know if Chris Jones got more money than he got. This is in my head and I’m like, he wants more money. He wants to be the highest-paid,” Faulk said.
Faulk can’t believe that Donald stepped away from football so much that he has developed a theory that maybe the former Rams DE was not feeling valued with his contract.
Kansas City Chiefs Chris Jones signed a massive five-year $158.75 million deal that included $95 million guaranteed and made him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league. Jones surpassed Nick Bosa at $34 million a year and Donald at $31.6 million.
While Donald stated that his drive to want to play football is no longer there and dealing with another training camp is just too much for him, Faulk believes that breaking that routine could lead to Donald wanting to return.
Many players have entered retirement only to come out to play again. That doesn’t necessarily mean Donald will do so—but his retirement did come out of nowhere.
The NFL world would be incredibly happy to see Donald go back on his decision to retire, except for the NFC West teams that would have to face him twice a year again.
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