Aaron Donald and wife weigh in on comeback rumors in wake of Rams' Myles Garrett trade

For the first time in three seasons, the Los Angeles Rams have an All-Pro talent on their defensive line. Could another be on the way in the coming few months?

L.A. added a diamond to its gleaming defensive setup on Monday, acquiring Myles Garrett from the Browns in exchange for Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick.

Garrett is the most dominant defensive force in the league and has been for two seasons. Before him, only one man could compare — former Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

Donald stepped into the sunset following the 2023 season at age 32. Two years on, some are wondering whether the acquisition of Garrett could be enough to coax Donald into returning to the game he loved — and dominated/

Here's what we know so far regarding rumors of Donald's potential return from retirement.

MORE MYLES GARRETT NEWS:

• Myles Garrett trade details
• Rams-Browns trade grades
• Winners and losers of Myles Garrett trade
• Rams defense projection with Myles Garrett
• How Browns' Myles Garrett return compares

What did Aaron Donald  say about making a comeback?

Donald hasn't yet spoke publicly about whether he would return to the gridiron following Garrett's trade. However, Pat McAfee reportedly reached out to the three-time Defensive Player of the Year to gauge his interest on suiting up for Los Angeles once more.

McAfee revealed that the 35-year-old expressed interest in potentially making a return to the Rams' front seven alongside Garrett.

"It for sure got me thinking," McAfee claimed that Donald said. "35, removed two years ago, gotta see if that fire can light back up."

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 2, 2026

What did Aaron Donald's wife say about a possible comeback for her husband?

Donald's wife, Erica, offered an eye-catching response to McAfee's report, taking to X to share her thoughts on the rumors of Donald's potential return.

Y’all are hilarious

— Erica Donald (@EriDon_99) June 2, 2026

Is Mrs. Donald simply tickled by the notion that Donald would leave the warm confines of retirement to take on the rigors of a 17-game NFL season? Or is she merely bemused at the concept that Donald couldn't return to his All-Pro form two years after his departure?

Reading too much into social media posts is folly. Nevertheless, Erica's comments did leave some wondering whether Donald really could be sizing up a return to action in the near future.

PLEASE MRS. ERICA JUST ONE MORE SEASON. pic.twitter.com/XDeB2eGXN9

— Hero Of Time 39 (@HeroOfTime39) June 2, 2026

When did Aaron Donald retire?

Donald retired in March 2024, shortly after the conclusion to the 2023 season. He claimed that he was content with his on-field contributions, admitting that he didn't have enough to take on another campaign.

"I'm complete. I'm full. I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me," Donald said in a video clip posted to X. "I will always love football, but to think about going through another camp and another 17-game season — I just don't got the urge to wanna do that no more."

“I’m burned out,” Donald added. “I’m full. I’m complete. I’m satisfied with what I was able to do in 10 years, and I think it's time for me at 32 years old to retire from football and jump into the next step of my career and my life. It's time to move on."

Donald finished his playing career with 111 sacks in 154 regular-season games. He captured three Defensive Player of the Years win and eight All-Pro nods. He's eligible to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as soon as 2029. He's all but certain to go into Canton on the first ballot.

coming soon 🎬 #rams #ad99 #ready #retirement #ddg pic.twitter.com/ozh8QDs0j7

— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) March 20, 2024

How old is Aaron Donald?

Donald is 35 years old, having celebrated his 35th birthday on May 23. The Pittsburgh native is no spring chicken. According to Pro Football Reference, just three active defensive tackles are older than Donald — Mike Pennel, John Jenkins and Cameron Heyward. All told, nine defensive linemen older than Donald appeared in one regular season contest last year.