Aaron Donald's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Aaron Donald.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
