NFL News OT: Aaron Donald Signs With The Rams

OldEngland · Aug 31, 2026

I was going to say it must be nearly impossible to back to such a high level after two years out in your 30s. I've seen many elite stars realise they are not at the same level and get frustrated. But some superstar sportsman such as Jordan (especially the first time), Phelps and Foreman were still hugely successful and champions after some time away.

I was trying to research if anyone had come out of retirement for a lengthy time in the nfl. Sanders, Weddle, Reggie White and Rivers are the only ones that come to mind.

PatsFan2 · Aug 31, 2026

OldEngland said:
I was going to say it must be nearly impossible to back to such a high level after two years out in your 30s. I've seen many elite stars realise they are not at the same level and get frustrated. But some superstar sportsman such as Jordan (especially the first time), Phelps and Foreman were still hugely successful and champions after some time away.

I was trying to research if anyone had come out of retirement for a lengthy time in the nfl. Sanders, Weddle, Reggie White and Rivers are the only ones that come to mind.

Aaron Donald is an extraordinary athlete plus they have Myles Garrett. Pray our OL don't have to face them.

Guts · Aug 31, 2026

OldEngland said:
I was going to say it must be nearly impossible to back to such a high level after two years out in your 30s. I've seen many elite stars realise they are not at the same level and get frustrated. But some superstar sportsman such as Jordan (especially the first time), Phelps and Foreman were still hugely successful and champions after some time away.

I was trying to research if anyone had come out of retirement for a lengthy time in the nfl. Sanders, Weddle, Reggie White and Rivers are the only ones that come to mind.

I wouldnt expect a top 3 Linemen of all time level of play from Donald, but he retired at his peak and had 2 years off without the wear and tear. He's kept in shape as well a 80 percent Donald with Garrett on the line is crazy to think about. Good luck Olines if that happens

OldEngland · Aug 31, 2026

PatsFan2 said:
Aaron Donald is an extraordinary athlete plus they have Myles Garrett. Pray our OL don't have to face them.

The Pats won't unless both get in the SB. Broncos, Bills, Chargers and Chiefs are on the Rams schedule though.

stinkypete · Aug 31, 2026

Byron Young had 12 sacks last year. Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford are in that DL rotation. That line is going to be a beast.

PF_SU · Aug 31, 2026

Pape said:
who was the last major defensive guy who took a year or two off before coming back? reggie white in carolina?

he will help, but probably wont be a dominant force like he once was, as others here have stated already

Somebody named him already, but probably Deion Sanders. Retired in 2001 after his first season with Washington at almost 34, came back 3 years later to join the Ravens. Played for two years and got a few interceptions, but Baltimore missed the playoffs both years.

XLIX · Aug 31, 2026

PATSYLICIOUS said:
Has anyone ever taken 2 years off and made a successful nfl return? It just seems really hard to do in today’s game especially at 35.

Joe Montana essentially missed 2 years (in the second year he played one game and threw 21 passes) and then went to KC where he played very well. IIRC he took them to the CCG.

FreeTedWilliams · Aug 31, 2026

No training camp and then that flight to Australia to play a game, that is a recipe for a the very least a pulled hammy maybe worse.

rkarp1 · Aug 31, 2026

good for Donald. I wish him well except if the Rams play the Pats
I do believe he still calls Thuney "dad"

Rob0729 · Aug 31, 2026

The NFL super teams tend to disappoint more than succeed. On paper, the Rams are clearly the best team in the NFL. I am not sure it will happen in practice.

The Rams are relying on a lot of older players with some in key positions including Stafford (who luckily avoided back issues last year, but will it continue), Adams, and Donald. That could come back to bite them.

patchick · Aug 31, 2026

RobertWeathers said:
He a GoAT DT but at 35 and with 2 yrs off i'll be interesting to see if he maintains his play w/o injury or fatigue.

The ability to play sparingly as a situational rusher might help, but at some point the body does hit a wall. If anybody here follows tennis, Novak Djokovic just gave a painful demonstration of that truth.

RobertWeathers · Aug 31, 2026

patchick said:
The ability to play sparingly as a situational rusher might help, but at some point the body does hit a wall. If anybody here follows tennis, Novak Djokovic just gave a painful demonstration of that truth.

Yep. It was inevitable.

Additionally having a 46yo Venus Williams start her match at midnight is not healthy for us Gen Xers either.

A Defiant Goose · Aug 31, 2026

Kinda embarrassing and I can't wait to watch them drop out in the divisional round

Raccoonsuit · Aug 31, 2026

**** the rams

irishfanatic · Aug 31, 2026

Raccoonsuit said:
**** the rams

We have, twice.

UGAPatsfan · Aug 31, 2026

Wild turn of events. It DID impact my fantasy strategy. Feel like Rams D will be better than ranked fantasy scoring wise. Have them targeted for rd 13/14 if available

Vindicate · Aug 31, 2026

XLIX said:
Joe Montana essentially missed 2 years (in the second year he played one game and threw 21 passes) and then went to KC where he played very well. IIRC he took them to the CCG.

Commendable for sure but a much, much different position.

It'll be interesting to see how he does. James Harrison played for the Patriots at 39 lmao. However, he didn't have a break.

There are players - active players - who would do workouts with Aaron Donald after his retirement and still say "I never wanna work out with him ever again"

TinhWoodhead · Aug 31, 2026

Two old Aarons in the league

woolster22 · Thursday at 10:17 PM

One-If-By-Sea said:
The Pats left Thuney 1-on-1 with Donald in the 2019 SB. Thuney won the battle and the Pats won the SB.

That was when Donald was 28, he is now 35. The legend of Donald is far greater than the 35 year old guy in Dec/Jan.

The only thing that does not make sense is why didn't BB sign Thuney in FA. Donald at 35 years old. BAH!

Thuney is/was a monster. Andy Reids kid must have been drunk again and in possession of the gm's phone when they shipped him off. Exceptional guard who can play well enough at OT in a pinch. When they shipped him, I knew they would suck.

TheRainMaker · Thursday at 11:41 PM

Rams will be fun to watch. They have a ton of pressure on them which is good for the NFL. We need more teams with pressure like this.

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NFL News OT: Aaron Donald Signs With The Rams

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