Aaron Donald returns to the Rams after two seasons in retirement

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 8:18 PM

Last updated Aug 30, 2026

Aaron Donald returns to the Rams after two seasons in retirement
Summary

Aaron Donald announced his intention to return to the NFL on August 30, 2026, ending a retirement that began following the 2023 season. The 35-year-old defensive player completed workouts at the Los Angeles facility throughout August before confirming his comeback. His decision follows a period of interest in rejoining the active roster after the team acquired Myles Garrett. Donald is the latest in a series of veteran NFL players to resume their careers after initial retirements. Other notable returns include Philip Rivers, who signed with the Colts in 2025, and Brandon Graham, who rejoined the Eagles during the 2025 season following an initial retirement announcement after Super Bowl 59. Eric Weddle also previously returned to the Rams in 2022 after stepping away from the game.

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Status Watch
  • Aaron Donald retired after the 2023 season but announced his return on August 30, 2026.
  • Donald conducted workouts at the Los Angeles practice facility in August before his decision.
  • Philip Rivers returned to play for the Colts in 2025 after four years away.
  • Brandon Graham signed with the Eagles in October 2025 after initially retiring following Super Bowl 59.
  • Eric Weddle previously returned to the Rams in 2022 to assist the team during the playoffs.
Latest Updates
  • 8:18 PMYahoo SportsNFL players to unretire: Aaron Donald joins Tom Brady, Brett Favre as stars to come out of retirement
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Retirement has proven a fickle sorceress for some of the NFL's greatest stars.

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