LOS ANGELES — Aaron Donald wore the biggest smile after the Los Angeles Rams’ 28-6 victory over the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium on Monday, Sept. 21.
Donald made his way out of the tunnel during pregame player introductions to a loud cheer from the stadium crowd, which included members of his family.
The defensive tackle produced three tackles, including one that resulted in a loss.
"I felt the love after I had that tackle for a loss and they were cheering for me," Donald said.
The tackle tied Donald with Lavonte David and Von Miller (177) for fourth on the all-time tackles for loss list.
J.J. Watt is third on the list with 195 tackles, with Calais Campbell (196) in second and Terrell Suggs (202) in first. The NFL officially began holding the record
for most career tackles for a loss since 1999.
Donald spent time amongst the fans after his postgame press conference, shaking hands and signing some autographs as fans continued to cheer for him.
One of Donald's biggest takeaways was the need to work on his timing moving forward, admitting he could’ve worked faster to win his 1-on-1 matchups.
"I’m a little sore right now," Donald said. "But it feels good to be back out there and get that first game under my belt. … I’m officially back playing football."
Donald did appear to have a wrap around his right hand during the press conference. When asked about it directly, he again just chalked it up to being sore and playing after just two padded practices.
Coach Sean McVay was thrilled to have one of his starting defenders back on the field and the impact he made beyond the stat sheet.
"His overall energy," McVay said, talking about Donald’s impact on the team. "One of the things is he elicits attention. He brings everybody up around him and I didn't think it was by coincidence that was the energy that we played with.
"... I thought the defensive coaches did a great job of their game plan, but ultimately just elevating situations he's in and people that he's around. That's what the greats do and that's what he does."
Donald and the Rams will be back in action against the Denver Broncos in a nonconference road game on Sunday, Sept, 27.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aaron Donald feels the love and soreness after first game back with Rams
