NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently texted longtime Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who retired earlier this year, to gauge his interest in coming out of retirement. The idea was for Donald to play alongside former Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett, who was traded to the Rams, under head coach Sean McVay.
The 35-year-old veteran responded, "I'm for sure flirting with the idea. Helluva an opportunity with the Super Bowl in SoFi this year. If I can find the fire, it's a possibility." However, this brief spark of a comeback was quickly extinguished by former Rams star wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
Cooper Kupp, who won two Super Bowls with the Rams and was MVP of Super Bowl LVI, texted Donald to discourage any thoughts of unretirement. Appearing on "The Rich Eisen Show," Kupp said, "I texted Aaron and said, 'Don't even think about it.' I just left it at that. We're good, I'm not worried about it. Because he's not." Kupp then praised Donald, calling him a great football player and a great dude.
Donald and Kupp were teammates from 2014 to 2023 and remain close friends. They won Super Bowl LVI together against the Cincinnati Bengals. Donald is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, while Kupp is a Super Bowl MVP. Schultz envisioned Donald pairing with 2025 DPOY Myles Garrett, which would boost the Rams' Super Bowl odds significantly.
Many NFL players have come out of retirement, including Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Marshawn Lynch, Philip Rivers, and Brandon Graham. Despite this, Kupp's intervention suggests Donald's return is unlikely. Fans wonder why a player with two rings would block a friend from chasing a third, but Kupp's message was clear.
If Donald were to return, he would do so for a chance at a third Super Bowl title with his original franchise. The Rams' acquisition of Garrett has already elevated their championship aspirations, but Donald's presence would make them even more formidable.
