History of Aaron Donald in Timeline
Aaron Donald is a retired American professional football defensive tackle renowned as one of the greatest defensive players ever. He spent his entire 10-season NFL career with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. Donald consistently dominated opponents with his exceptional strength, agility, and technique, earning numerous accolades, including three Defensive Player of the Year awards and multiple All-Pro selections. His impact on the field was transformative, solidifying his legacy as a defensive icon.
May 23, 1991: Aaron Donald's Birth
On May 23, 1991, Aaron Charles Donald was born. He later became a professional football defensive tackle.
2004: Tank Johnson sets 40-yard dash record
In 2004, Tank Johnson ran a 4.69 in the 40-yard dash, setting the record for defensive tackles at the NFL combine, a record that would later be broken by Aaron Donald.
2012: Brother Archie Retires from the NFL
In 2012, Aaron Donald's older brother, Archie Jr., retired from the NFL after bouncing around as an undrafted free agent.
June 16, 2014: Signed Rookie Contract with the Rams
On June 16, 2014, Aaron Donald signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $10.13 million rookie contract with the St. Louis Rams, including a $5.69 million signing bonus.
September 7, 2014: NFL Regular Season Debut
On September 7, 2014, Aaron Donald made his regular season debut with the St. Louis Rams against the Minnesota Vikings, recording four tackles in the game.
October 13, 2014: First Career Start
On October 13, 2014, Aaron Donald received his first career start against the San Francisco 49ers, finishing the game with four solo tackles.
December 13, 2015: Career-High Three Sacks Against Lions
On December 13, 2015, Aaron Donald recorded a career-high three sacks against the Detroit Lions, earning him his second NFC Defensive Player of the Week award of the year.
2015: Selected to Pro Bowl and Wins Defensive Rookie of the Year
In 2015, after recording 47 tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles, Aaron Donald was selected to the Pro Bowl and won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
September 12, 2016: Ejected for Contacting Referee
On September 12, 2016, Aaron Donald was ejected from a game against the 49ers for making illegal contact with a referee.
October 21, 2016: Fined for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
On October 21, 2016, Aaron Donald was fined $18,231 for unsportsmanlike conduct during a game against the Detroit Lions.
2016: First All-Pro Selection
In 2016, Aaron Donald started all 16 games, ending the season with 69 tackles and 11 sacks. He earned his first First-team All-Pro selection.
April 12, 2017: Fifth-Year Option Exercised
On April 12, 2017, the Los Angeles Rams exercised the fifth-year option on Aaron Donald's contract.
September 9, 2017: Reports to Rams After Contract Dispute
On September 9, 2017, Aaron Donald reported to the Los Angeles Rams after holding out due to a contract extension dispute.
December 19, 2017: Named to Fourth Straight Pro Bowl
On December 19, 2017, Aaron Donald was named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl.
2017: Named to Third Straight Pro Bowl and Second First-Team All-Pro
In 2017, Aaron Donald was named to his third straight Pro Bowl and his second First-team All-Pro.
August 31, 2018: Signs Contract Extension
On August 31, 2018, Aaron Donald signed a six-year, $135 million contract extension with the Rams, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time.
2018: Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year
After a stellar 2017 season, Aaron Donald was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.
2018: Breaks Sacks Record for Defensive Tackle
During the 2018 season, Aaron Donald broke the record for most sacks in a season by a defensive tackle, finishing with a league-leading 20.5 sacks.
January 4, 2019: Named to AP All-Pro First-Team
On January 4, 2019, Aaron Donald was named to the AP All-Pro First-team and was the only unanimous selection.
February 2, 2019: Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year
On February 2, 2019, Aaron Donald was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
2019: Recorded First Sack of the Season
During Week 3 of the 2019 season, Aaron Donald recorded his first sack of the season in a game against the Cleveland Browns.
April 27, 2020: Graduates from the University of Pittsburgh
On April 27, 2020, Aaron Donald revealed on Twitter that he had graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in communications.
2020: Selected to Pro Bowl and Earned First Team All-Pro
Aaron Donald was selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl and earned First Team All-Pro honors in 2020.
February 6, 2021: Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year
On February 6, 2021, Aaron Donald was named the 2020 NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in four years.
2021: Welcomed a Son with Wife
In 2021, Aaron Donald and his wife welcomed a son.
June 7, 2022: Rams Renegotiate Donald's Contract
On June 7, 2022, the Los Angeles Rams announced they had re-negotiated Aaron Donald's existing contract extension, making him the first non-quarterback to average more than $30 million per season.
2022: Pressures Garoppolo Leading to Game-Sealing Interception
In the NFC Championship of 2022, Aaron Donald pressured 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, leading to a game-sealing interception and a Rams victory.
2023: Earns Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors
During the 2023 season, Aaron Donald earned Pro Bowl honors for the tenth time and first team All-Pro honors for the eighth time.
March 15, 2024: Announced Retirement from NFL
On March 15, 2024, Aaron Donald announced his retirement from the NFL on social media.
July 2024: Reveals Reasons for Retirement
In July 2024, Aaron Donald cited feeling accomplished and lacking the desire for training as reasons for his retirement in an interview.
