NFL world reacts to Aaron Donald coming out of retirement

One of the all-time greats is back. Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement and will play this season, joining Myles Garrett on what could be the NFL's best defense. Donald retired after the 2023 season and hasn't played in over two years, but he's stayed in shape and has de

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What is the story about?

One of the all-time greats is back. Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement and will play this season, joining Myles Garrett on what could be the NFL's best defense. Donald retired after the 2023 season and hasn't played in over two years, but he's stayed in shape and has decided to chase a second Super Bowl ring with the team that drafted him in 2014.

After training all summer in preparation for a possible return, Donald is committed to playing what will be his 11th season in the NFL. The future Hall of Famer has nothing left to prove, but it's clear there's still a fire in him to compete and pursue another championship.

This is among the most notable comebacks in sports history, up there with Michael Jordan and Roger

Clemens. Even though Donald's announcement didn't come out of the blue, the NFL world was still in awe of his return.

Here are some of the best reactions on social media.

heeeeeeeee’s baaaaaccccckkkk pic.twitter.com/tP9yfp3mW6
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 30, 2026

Matthew &
Aaron &
Myles &
Puka &
Davante &
Trent &
Kyren &
Byron &
Kobie &
Quentin &
&
&
— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) August 30, 2026

Offensive lineman trying to stop Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett on the same D line pic.twitter.com/49jTHXT0RG
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) August 30, 2026

Everyone (myself included): yeah, the Rams are about to go undefeated

Only me: I really wish they’d have prepared an Aaron Donald swap in Los Angeles’ new uniforms lol https://t.co/fHnrhaPtrK

— Zach Cohen (@ZachCohenFB) August 30, 2026

not only do the Rams get Aaron Donald back, they get him for less than Kenny Clark or Daron Payne make https://t.co/V5w4nNFO9W
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) August 30, 2026

unreal. pic.twitter.com/FihxyYwd1p
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 30, 2026

Is it crazy to say the Rams could have a shot at 20-0?

One of the best teams I’ve seen in a long time

(I don’t think it’ll actually happen but not impossible atp) https://t.co/BUCho3xRHM
— Bradley Locker (@Bradley_Locker) August 30, 2026