Aaron Donald Returns: Rams Pair Him With Myles Garrett in Blockbuster Comeback

The Los Angeles Rams have pulled off one of the biggest surprises ahead of the new NFL season, with Aaron Donald coming out of retirement at age 35 to rejoin a defense that already features fellow defensive superstar Myles Garrett.

Donald announced his return on Sunday, two years after initially walking away from football and seemingly beginning his journey toward the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

His comeback changes the outlook for a Rams defense that has been aggressively rebuilt following last season’s NFC Championship Game defeat to the eventual Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks.

Why Aaron Donald's Return Is Such a Big Deal

Donald retired after a remarkable 10-year career that had already established him as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year won the award in 2017, 2018 and 2020 and finished his career with 111 sacks, an extraordinary figure for an interior defensive lineman.

He also produced a career-best 20.5 sacks in 2018, demonstrating the rare pass-rushing ability that made him one of the most difficult defensive players in the league to block.

Now, instead of preparing for his eventual Hall of Fame induction, Donald will attempt to add another Super Bowl ring to his résumé.

He already owns one championship, having helped the Rams defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Donald played a decisive role late in that victory, pressuring Joe Burrow on the Bengals' final offensive possession.

Donald's Comeback Was Already Gathering Momentum

Although the announcement came as a surprise to much of the NFL, Donald had been quietly preparing for a possible return.

The 35-year-old has continued to maintain an intense fitness routine since retiring, regularly sharing weightlifting workouts on social media.

He also worked out with Rams defensive line coach Giff Smith and team trainers during training camp at Loyola Marymount. Donald was later seen hitting a blocking sled at UCLA and had also worked out at the Rams' facility on multiple occasions.

The possibility of a comeback became even more intriguing after Los Angeles acquired Garrett in June.

Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Cleveland Browns and accumulated 125.5 sacks, including an NFL-record 23 sacks last season.

That immediately raised the possibility of the Rams creating one of the most dangerous defensive fronts in recent NFL history.

Sean McVay Never Closed the Door

Rams head coach Sean McVay consistently refused to rule out Donald's return.

When asked about the possibility during Garrett's introductory news conference, McVay offered a playful response:

"Listen, if he's interested ... ," McVay said teasingly, adding, "If Aaron decides he wants to dust them off at the age of 35, I bet you he could still do it at a pretty high clip."

McVay subsequently gave Donald plenty of space to make his decision, repeatedly stressing that there was no deadline for the veteran defensive tackle.

At the same time, the Rams coach revealed that he remained in contact with Donald almost every day and suggested that the situation was becoming increasingly positive.

McVay hinted that "if there's an arrow, it's trending upwards."

Garrett and other Rams players also expressed their willingness to welcome Donald back, although they avoided trying to influence his decision.

Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett: How Good Can This Pass Rush Be?

The biggest question now is how Donald and Garrett will be deployed together.

Garrett's ability to attack quarterbacks from the edge could create opportunities for Donald to dominate from the interior, while Donald's presence could prevent offenses from simply focusing their protection schemes on Garrett.

The Rams also have significant talent surrounding the two stars, including Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford and edge rusher Byron Young.

That gives Los Angeles the potential to attack opposing offensive lines from multiple positions rather than relying on one elite pass rusher.

The Rams Have Completely Remade Their Defense

Donald is returning to a defense that looks considerably different from the unit that finished last season.

Los Angeles acquired Trent McDuffie, an All-Pro cornerback, and signed Jaylen Watson, with both players arriving after winning two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Rams then made an even bigger move for Garrett, sending Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick and future second- and third-round selections to Cleveland.

Now Donald has joined that rebuilt defensive front.

The transformation is significant:

Aaron Donald + Myles Garrett + Trent McDuffie + Jaylen Watson

That combination gives the Rams elite talent across both the defensive line and secondary as they attempt to return to the Super Bowl.

Donald Is Following a Familiar Rams Comeback Path

Interestingly, Donald isn't the first former Rams star to come out of retirement and return under McVay.

In January 2022, Los Angeles brought safety Eric Weddle back after several injuries hit the position.

Weddle initially joined the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster. He played an important role during the postseason and called the defensive signals during the Rams' Super Bowl victory.

Donald will now attempt something even more ambitious: returning at 35 and helping the Rams win another championship.

For Los Angeles, the timing could hardly be more intriguing. A defense already strengthened by the arrival of Garrett has suddenly added arguably the greatest interior defensive lineman of his generation.

And with the Super Bowl set to be played at SoFi Stadium in February, Donald's return could make the Rams one of the NFL's most dangerous contenders.