Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday after 10 seasons.
Donald contemplated retirement last offseason but decided to come back in 2023 for what turned out to be his final year in a Rams uniform.
He produced 543 tackles, 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, 24 forced fumbles and 21 passes defended in 154 career regular-season games.
He also recorded 34 tackles, six sacks and 10 tackles for loss in 11 postseason games and helped the Rams win Super Bowl 56.
Donald’s retirement leaves a gaping hole in the Rams’ defense.
USA TODAY Sports examines what’s next for the Rams in the wake of Donald’s retirement.
Beyonce had a hit single called “Irreplaceable”, that’s what Donald is to the Rams.
A compelling case could be made that Donald is the best player ever for a Rams franchise that has boasted the likes of Eric Dickerson, Deacon Jones, Jackie Slater, Isaac Bruce and more.
Donald was a force as a three-technique defensive tackle and a premier defensive player in the NFL for a decade.
The Rams built their defense inside out around Donald.
If the Rams desire to build their defense from inside out again, they’ll need to find another three-technique defensive anchor and those are difficult to come by.
