NFL great Aaron Donald reportedly sent a letter announcing his imminent retirement to the Los Angeles Rams - but it never reached the NFL offices.
Donald is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and heralded by many as perhaps the greatest defensive player in the sport’s history. After helping the Rams clinch their second Super Bowl title and his first, reports emerged suggesting Donald was ready to walk away from the sport.
The 31-year-old had made up his mind to retire as the greatest defensive talent to ever play the game - and a champion. Donald penned a letter and had his agent send it to the Rams, where he has spent his entire career, to inform them of his decision to retire.
The letter was addressed to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and highlighted his decision to retire, effective on May 9. The letter came with instructions to be sent on to the league office - but it never was.
Ultimately, Donald penned a blockbuster contract extension to commit to playing under Sean McVay in Los Angeles for another two seasons. He will take to the field tonight against the Buffalo Bills in the NFL’s kickoff match to mark the beginning of the 2022 campaign.
In May, talks between the Rams and Donald had stalled. He had three years left on his original deal worth $136million (£118m) over six years, but agent Todd France had been pushing for a raise without any additional years added to the contract.
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It was an unprecedented request from a defensive player, with the biggest example for an offensive player being when the New England Patriots gave Tom Brady an $8m raise in 2019. The Rams were reportedly respectful of Donald’s decision to retire, but they wanted to ensure he was absolutely done with football.
In the end, a deal was struck between the team and Donald’s camp on June 6. He was to receive a $40m (£34m) raise over three years with no additional years, meaning Donald would earn $95m (£82.5m) over three years.
His new average salary placed him atop the market for all defensive players while also granting Donald a two-year commitment to the Rams with the chance to play a third if he so decides. It means Donald - one of the greatest players in NFL history - won’t retire just yet, instead suiting up to face Buffalo.
