The Los Angeles Rams are awaiting Aaron Donald's looming decision as the legend contemplates a potential return to football to play on their star-studded roster. The fact that Donald's even considering the move is miraculous to head coach Sean McVay, as he was certain the defensive great left everything on the field during the 2023 season.
In a recent presser, McVay stated it shocked him to see that Donald was giving serious consideration to returning. McVay revealed that he spoke to Donald during negotiations to add Myles Garrett, claiming that he often reaches out to former players to ask for their take on potential big-name additions.
“To be honest, I didn't because the relationship that I have with him," McVay said of whether he ever thought
Donald would consider unretiring. "When he let me in, you talk about a guy that did this for 10 years and gave every ounce of his soul to this game, who's also a committed husband, father, son. He's got so much range and so much depth and when he sat down with me and he said, ‘I'm full, I'm complete,’ he meant it and I believed him. I think out of respect for him, you don't revisit those things. Honestly, how that conversation unfolded is because he's a close friend of mine.
"When we were going through the possibility of acquiring Myles, I asked him what his thoughts and opinions were, just from no different than the way I talk to [Andrew] Whitworth or keep in touch with Eric Weddle or former players of ours that I think have great perspective on how we operate and what does it look like. I think it's helpful when you value people’s opinions. That's really what stimulated the conversation of the possibility, but this is his decision. He's earned the right to be able to do it on his terms and that's why I think you guys are seeing us take this approach. I did not ever really think this would be something, but I'm not going to sit here and act like I'm not excited about the possibility of it.”
The Rams are ready to welcome Donald back if he chooses to return, but the ball is solely in his court. Donald still works out at the team facility, and despite repeatedly stating he was content with football leading up to this offseason, it seems there's an unanswered question left for the franchise pillar to answer.
Donald continues to go through his own process to figure out if a return is worth it.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Sean McVay never thought Aaron Donald would consider unretiring
