League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Injuries

Cris Carter warns Aaron Donald about serious health risks in NFL

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 2:00 AM

Last updated Aug 13, 2026

Cris Carter warns Aaron Donald about serious health risks in NFL

Summary

Cris Carter, the Hall of Famer, shared his health scare on the Fully Loaded Podcast, recalling a severe kidney injury he suffered during his career. With Aaron Donald contemplating a return to the NFL, Carter's experience serves as a warning about the physical toll of the sport, especially as athletes age. Donald, who has been sidelined since 2023 due to an ankle injury, remains in shape but faces questions about his readiness and commitment to play at the elite level required in the NFL. Rams coach Sean McVay expressed hope for Donald's return but emphasized that the decision should come from Donald himself.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Cris Carter alerts Aaron Donald about potential health risks in football.
•Carter suffered a lacerated kidney, which nearly ended his career.
•Aaron Donald has not played since 2023 and is deliberating a comeback.
•Sean McVay supports Donald's decision-making process regarding his future.
•Donald has shown he remains physically fit while contemplating his next steps.

Latest Updates

2:00 AMYahoo Sports — “My Kidney’s Only Working 20%”: NFL Hall of Famer Relives His Health Nightmare As Warning to Aaron Donald

What they're saying

"
Aaron Donald has spent this offseason chasing a comeback, but a cautionary voice from the league’s past has entered the conversation. Hall of Famer Cris Carter, no stranger to what the sport can quietly take from a body, opened up about a health scare to offer Donald a sobering warning “First game, my kidney got lacerated,” Cris Carter said on Fully Loaded Podcast.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Rams Minnesota Vikings NFL Football