Career Timeline of Aaron Donald: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Aaron Donald made an impact.

Aaron Donald is a retired American professional football defensive tackle, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. He played his entire 10-season career for the Los Angeles Rams. Known for his exceptional strength, agility, and disruptive impact, Donald consistently dominated offensive lines and earned numerous accolades, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2010: Freshman Season at Pittsburgh

In 2010, as a true freshman, Aaron Donald played in all 13 games as a reserve defensive end for the Pittsburgh Panthers, recording 11 tackles, including three for loss, and two sacks.

2011: Breakout Sophomore Season

In 2011, during his sophomore year, Aaron Donald moved into the starting lineup and recorded 47 tackles, including 16 for loss, 11 sacks, and a forced fumble, earning a second-team All-Big East Conference selection.

2012: Junior Year Success

In 2012, as a junior, Aaron Donald recorded 64 tackles, including 18.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, earning first-team All-Big East honors.

June 16, 2014: Rams Sign Aaron Donald

On June 16, 2014, the Rams signed Aaron Donald to a four-year, fully guaranteed $10.13 million rookie contract, including a $5.69 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option.

September 7, 2014: Regular Season Debut

On September 7, 2014, Aaron Donald made his regular season debut against the Minnesota Vikings, finishing the 34–6 loss with four tackles.

October 13, 2014: First Career Start

On October 13, 2014, Aaron Donald had his first career start against the San Francisco 49ers, finishing the game with four solo tackles.

2014: Drafted by the Rams

In 2014, Aaron Donald was selected by the Rams in the first round of the NFL draft and spent his first two seasons with the team in St. Louis.

December 13, 2015: Career-High Three Sacks Against Lions

On December 13, 2015, Aaron Donald made five tackles and recorded a career-high three sacks against the Detroit Lions in Week 14. He also earned his second NFC Defensive Player of the Week award after his performance.

2015: Pro Bowl and Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2015, after recording 47 tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles, Aaron Donald was selected to the 2015 Pro Bowl. He also won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.

2016: First-Team All-Pro Selection

In 2016, Aaron Donald started all 16 games, ending the season with 69 tackles, 11 sacks, a pass defended, and a fumble recovery. He earned a First-team All-Pro selection for the first time in his NFL career, was a Pro Bowl selection for the second consecutive season and was ranked 14th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

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December 19, 2017: Fourth Pro Bowl Selection

On December 19, 2017, Aaron Donald was named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl and later named a first-team All-Pro for the third time.

2017: Third Straight Pro Bowl Selection

In 2017, Aaron Donald was named to his third straight Pro Bowl and his second First-team All-Pro. Donald was also ranked 15th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

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August 31, 2018: Signs Record Contract Extension

On August 31, 2018, Aaron Donald signed a six-year, $135 million contract extension with $87 million guaranteed with the Rams, making him the highest paid defensive player in NFL history at the time.

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 with 19.5 sacks. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October and December, and he finished the season with a league-leading 20.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl.

2018: Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year

In 2018, after a stellar 2017 season, Aaron Donald was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was also ranked #7 by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

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2018: Original Contract Extension

In 2018, the Rams signed Donald to an existing contract extension.

February 2, 2019: Second Consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Award

On February 2, 2019, Aaron Donald was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. He also helped the Rams reach Super Bowl LIII.

2019: Continued Success and Accolades in 2019

Throughout the 2019 season, Aaron Donald recorded his first sack of the season against the Cleveland Browns and was later fined for a roughing the passer hit. He continued to perform strongly, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Donald finished the 2019 season with 48 tackles, 12.5 sacks and earned First Team All-Pro honors. He was ranked third by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

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2020: 2020 Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors

In 2020, Aaron Donald was selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl and earned First Team All-Pro honors.

February 6, 2021: Third Defensive Player of the Year Award

On February 6, 2021, Aaron Donald was named 2020 NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in four years. He was also selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl and earned First Team All-Pro honors. Donald was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.

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June 7, 2022: Contract Renegotiation

On June 7, 2022, the Rams announced they had re-negotiated Aaron Donald's existing contract extension that was signed in 2018, making him the first non-quarterback to average more than $30 million per season.

2022: Ankle Sprain and Pro Bowl Selection

During the 2022 season, Aaron Donald suffered an ankle sprain in Week 13 and earned Pro Bowl honors for the ninth time. He missed the team's final six games.

2022: Second NFC Championship and Super Bowl LVI Victory

In 2022, Aaron Donald's pressure in the NFC Championship led to a game-sealing interception, sending the Rams to Super Bowl LVI, which they won 23-20 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Donald was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.

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2023: Return to Playoffs and All-Pro Honors

During the 2023 season, Aaron Donald recorded eight sacks and helped the Rams return to the playoffs. He earned Pro Bowl honors for the tenth time and first-team All-Pro honors for the eighth time.

March 15, 2024: Retirement Announcement

On March 15, 2024, Aaron Donald announced his retirement from professional football on social media.

July 2024: Reasons for Retirement

In a July 2024 interview with Channing Crowder, Aaron Donald cited feeling accomplished and lacking the desire for persistent training as reasons for his retirement at age 32.