Aaron Donald is officially back in the NFL, coming out of retirement on Sunday to sign a one-year contract to return to the Los Angeles Rams. But while his return is exciting for Rams fans and will provide an already-stacked defense with a major boost, it doesn't come without its downsides for the legendary star.
Donald initially retired in 2024, which would put him on the ballot for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as early as 2029. But now, the five-year clock on a potential Hall of Fame induction has been reset as he makes his return to the league. If Donald retires again following this season in 2027, he'll next be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2032.
Aaron Donald, who initially retired in 2024 and was HOF eligible in 2029, will have the clock
reset following his NFL return and will have to wait another five years after he retires again ⏱️ If Donald retires after the 2026 season in 2027, he wouldn't be eligible until 2032. pic.twitter.com/aukOfDdYEH
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) August 31, 2026
It's disappointing for fans who want to see Donald earn his flowers as soon as possible, as well as for Donald himself, but it's also completely understandable why he made his return despite this unfortunate consequence of un-retiring.
Donald is widely regarded as one of the best NFL defensive linemen of all time, and now he gets to join another player from the same generation of talent who is also viewed similarly by NFL fans. The window for both of them to team up is already small and will continue to close with each passing year, and they have the opportunity to help anchor what could be the best defensive line in league history. And the chance to make that history, and perhaps earn another Super Bowl ring, was too tempting to pass up.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: There is one downside to Aaron Donald's return to the Los Angeles Rams
