Aaron Donald returns to the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 season

The Los Angeles Rams announced that defensive player Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement to join the team for the 2026 season. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year stepped away from the NFL more than two years ago. This return marks the end of his initial retirement period and signals a formal comeback to professional football at age 35. Donald’s decision to resume his career draws comparisons to other notable athletes who previously returned to competition after walking away, including Michael Jordan and Serena Williams. The announcement comes via a social media post from the Rams, in which Donald explicitly referenced Jordan's famous "I'm back" message from 1995. The organization confirmed the move as the veteran prepares to rejoin the active roster.

• 10:59 PMYahoo Sports — Aaron Donald’s return to Rams compares to Michael Jordan and Bulls