Aaron Donald was just a few years away from being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a surefire first-ballot selection. After an illustrious career that included eight first-team All-Pro selections, 10 Pro Bowls, three Defensive Player of the Year awards and a Super Bowl ring, he retired as a lock to get into the Hall in his first year of eligibility.
That enshrinement will now have to wait. Donald came out of retirement on Sunday after two years on the sidelines, last playing in the 2023 season. He’ll suit up for the Rams this season on a one-year deal that can be worth up to $30 million, making another run at trying to win a second Super Bowl ring.
Once Donald suits up for the first time this season, he’ll officially push back his Hall
of Fame eligibility by three years.
When is Aaron Donald eligible for the Hall of Fame?
Donald was previously going to be eligible in 2029, five years after retiring in 2024. Now, he’ll be eligible in 2032, assuming he retires again in 2027 after this season.
Donald is a lock to make the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility and will likely be a unanimous selection. He’s one of the greatest players of all time and regardless of how this season goes, he’ll be enshrined in Canton when first eligible.
If he adds another All-Pro or Defensive Player of the Year award, it’ll cement his place in history as potentially the best defender ever.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: What year is Rams DT Aaron Donald now eligible for the Hall of Fame?
