Alright, so Aaron Donald, the dude who’s been chilling out of the NFL for two whole years, just pulled off a move that’s got the entire league buzzing. He showed up at the Rams’ team facility for a workout, and because of NFL rules, it had to be reported as a “tryout.” Rams coach Sean McVay then dropped a quote to NFL Network that’s gonna live rent-free in our heads all season: “I think he could make the team.” Excuse me, what?! The three-time Defensive Player of the Year, who’s got 10 Pro Bowls under his belt, needs a tryout? You’re kidding me.
The “Tryout” That Broke the Internet
So, here’s the deal. Donald, who’s 35 now, hit up the Rams facility and worked out in Rams gear. That’s why it had to be tagged a “tryout” on the NFL’s personnel notice. McVay, sounding like he’s in on the biggest inside joke ever, asked, “Did it come across as a tryout?” He then immediately followed up with, “Best tryout we’ve ever had.” And defensive line coach Giff Smith backed him up, saying it was “the greatest tryout he’s ever had.” This wasn’t some desperate comeback attempt, though. McVay confirmed it was just “our way of being able to get a workout with him within the parameters of what’s necessary” as Donald wanted to see how he felt in a helmet after his two-year absence. It’s less about proving he belongs and more about testing the waters.
Why Now? Myles Garrett and a Legendary Comeback?
What sparked this whole “consideration of unretiring” for Donald? The Rams went out and snagged two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett back in June. Picture that: Aaron Donald, with his 10 Pro Bowls, 10 seasons, and 111 career sacks, potentially lining up next to Myles Garrett. That’s a defensive line nightmare for every single offense in the league. Donald’s been out, but a player of his caliber doesn’t just disappear. If he’s seriously feeling himself in a helmet again, and the Rams are talking about making sure he “could make the team,” then the NFC West, and honestly, the entire NFL, better watch out.
This isn’t just about one guy’s workout. This is about one of the greatest defensive players ever even *thinking* about lacing them up again. There’s no official “next game” for Aaron Donald, but the rumor mill is spinning, and the stakes for the entire league just went through the roof. Can he really come back? Will he? We’re all on the edge of our seats wondering if we’re about to witness a legendary unretirement.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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