Aaron Donald has announced his retirement as one of the best defensive players of the modern era calls time on his ten-year career with the LA Rams.
The 32-year-old is a lock to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer and ends his career with 111 sacks, 260 quarterback hits, 10 Pro Bowl nods, eight first-team All-Pros, three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and one Super Bowl ring.
Many of Donald’s coaches, team-mates, opponents and other contemporaries have taken to social media to pay tribute to the retiring star. Here is a look at some of the reactions to today’s news.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray’s reaction was to count his lucky blessings that he no longer has to face Donald twice a year in the NFC West.
’THANK GOD’ he posted on X, formerly Twitter, in reply to Donald’s announcement.
He then followed that with: “Honored to have competed against the best of All-Time! @AaronDonald97. Enjoy ya retirement and plz don’t come back.”
JJ Watt posted: “One of the greatest to ever play the game. Period. Congratulations @AaronDonald97. One hell of a career.”
Fellow Ram Cooper Kupp said: “Thankful to have been able to watch, learn from, and play alongside one of the best to ever do it. Appreciate you @AaronDonald97.
“Feel sorry for whoever has to line up across from you, in whatever it is you want to do next!”
“Damn the amount of respect I have for @AaronDonald97,” wrote Cam Heyward.
“Brother you did it all and every d tackle is measured against your success. Job well done! Enjoy retirement!”
Below is a look at some of the other early reactions to Donald's retirement.
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