Kevin Demoff is refreshing social media every morning, hoping for a sign. A text. A post. Anything from Aaron Donald that says the 35-year-old wants to play football again.
Speaking at a team event Thursday, the Rams CEO made it clear the organization isn’t pressuring Donald. But they are absolutely waiting. Demoff said the decision is entirely Donald’s and that the Rams would welcome him back with open arms if he decides to unretire.
“I think we all follow along like you,” Demoff said. “When Aaron Donald raises his hand and said he’s considering coming back … we’re fans as well. He’s one of the most decorated players in NFL history, in franchise history. We don’t have a ring or a Lombardi Trophy or banner if it’s not for Aaron Donald.”
Donald retired after the 2023 season, walking away from $30 million. He hasn’t played in two years. But the Rams just traded for Myles Garrett, which reignited speculation that Donald might want to run it back. Head coach Sean McVay recently said Donald is still working through his decision and wants to get into football shape first.
What a Donald Return Would Look Like
Donald has already been spotted working out at the Rams facility. The team expects him to keep testing his body over the next few weeks. They aren’t putting a deadline on it. Training camp? Not a cutoff. The Rams are thinking bigger picture here — they want Donald available for a potential postseason run, not necessarily Week 1.
Demoff echoed what McVay said a day earlier: “If Aaron wants to return we will wait with open arms, it is his decision, his choice. But there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wake up refreshing social media, seeing if there’s a post or hoping there’s a text that says ‘You up?’ I think we would all love for Aaron to be here.”
If Donald comes back, there are logistics to sort out. Role, obviously. Contract too. He walked away from $30 million, so whatever deal they hash out has to make sense for both sides and fit under the cap. The Rams are confident they can figure that part out if Donald wants to play.
For now, it’s a waiting game. And Demoff is just another guy hitting refresh on his phone, hoping the greatest defensive tackle of his generation decides he’s not done yet.
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