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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 23, 1991: Aaron Donald's Birth

On May 23, 1991, Aaron Charles Donald was born. He later became a professional football defensive tackle.

Others born on this day/year

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.

2014: Drafted by the St. Louis Rams

In 2014, Aaron Donald was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the NFL draft.

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.