As speculation mounts over a potential Aaron Donald comeback, one former NFL receiver is already making the case that Donald could cement himself as the greatest to ever play the game if he comes back to play for the Los Angeles Rams in 2026.
Andrew Hawkins made the bold claim on ESPN's "Pat McAfee Show" this week, weighing in on the growing buzz around Donald's possible return to the Rams.
"I'm seeing if AD is coming back to the Rams," Hawkins said. "Like, bro, I don't think people realize how dominant he is. If he comes back, and he plays even close to the level he was before he left, he has a legit argument that he is the best football player ever. And I mean that sincerely, 'cause I think AD is — he's something special, man."
"If Aaron Donald
comes back and plays even close to the level that he was before he left... He has a legit argument that he's the best football player ever" ~ @Hawk #PMSLive https://t.co/4GZrv3mh93 pic.twitter.com/ZVcewOb0Dy
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 23, 2026
Over 10 seasons with the Rams, Donald racked up 111 career sacks, 543 combined tackles, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight first-team All-Pro selections and 10 Pro Bowl nods. He's one of just two defensive players since the 1970 merger to earn a Pro Bowl bid in each of his first 10 seasons, alongside Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. He also won a Super Bowl with the Rams.
Speculation about Donald's return has intensified in recent days, with several NFL insiders hinting at Donald's impending return. Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed the superstar is thinking about a return, too, and Donald has been spotted preparing his body and mind to play again.
Would a return strengthen Donald's claim to being a top defensive player? Likely. But the best ever? That would be tough without multiple more Super Bowl wins and a plethora of additional sacks. Donald currently ranks tied for No. 45 in all-time sacks, according to Pro Football Reference's unofficial leaderboard (sacks weren't officially recognized as a statistic until 1982).
Donald is a superstar regardless of whether he unretires, but he hasn't checked nearly enough boxes in other areas to be one of the best to ever play the game.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Ex-NFL WR claims Aaron Donald could be 'the best football player ever'
