When Aaron Donald retired after the 2023 season, it left every Los Angeles Rams fan upset to see one of the all-time greats hang up his cleats. He was still a dominant player who was a joy to watch on Sundays.
But on the other side of the coin, there was a contingent of people celebrating: opposing quarterbacks, offensive linemen, offensive coordinators, and practically everyone in the 49ers’ building. They rejoiced in Donald’s departure, believing they’d never have to deal with him again.
They were wrong.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan recalled how the 49ers celebrated Donald’s retirement in 2024, only to feel “the exact opposite” when he announced his return.
“I remember when he retired, I didn't see the alerts and stuff, but I heard people yelling
down the hallway cheering,” Shanahan recalled on Sunday. “I was like, ‘What the hell's going on?’ And then I got it on my phone, and it was probably the most we've celebrated in the offseason ever.
“And then it was the exact opposite this year. I wasn’t, like, crushed on the Sunday that he decided because I decided a month ago it was happening, so I prepared for that the right way. It is what it is. He’s a hell of a player and we’ll have our work cut out for him.”
I asked Kyle Shanahan about the emotion he felt when he learned that Aaron Donald was returning. He compared it to what he felt when Donald retired. pic.twitter.com/gFEbv27RvB
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) September 7, 2026
The Rams haven’t yet announced whether Donald will play in the season opener on Thursday night, but Shanahan has a good feeling about his status.
“Oh yeah, definitely,” he said of whether he expects Donald to play.
Donald is going to make the trip to Australia for the game, but his status right now is to be determined. Sean McVay said he’ll have an update on Donald’s availability Tuesday, but no one should be surprised if he announces the future Hall of Famer will suit up.
Shanahan certainly won’t be caught off guard if that’s the direction the Rams go.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Kyle Shanahan recalls 49ers celebrating Aaron Donald's retirement
