Speculation regarding a potential return to the gridiron for Aaron Donald has intensified following the defensive tackle’s recent suggestions that he might end his two-year retirement. The prospect of Donald returning to Los Angeles to form a disruptive tandem with Myles Garrett has excited many, but one of the most prominent figures in franchise history is advising against the move.
Eric Dickerson, the Hall of Fame running back who still holds the NFL’s single-season rushing record, has weighed in on the rumors. While Dickerson acknowledges the terrifying potential of a Donald-Garrett pairing, he believes the legendary interior defender has already accomplished enough to walk away for good.
The Case for Staying Retired
Dickerson’s primary advice to Donald is simple: cherish the retirement he has earned. Speaking on the matter, the former Rams star emphasized that Donald has nothing left to validate on the football field. Having already established himself as one of the most dominant forces in NFL history, Donald’s resume is complete, and Dickerson sees little reason to risk that legacy for a comeback.
Los Angeles’ Current Championship Window
One of the core reasons Dickerson feels a comeback is unnecessary is the current state of the Los Angeles roster. The team has been aggressive in building a contender, recently adding two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and former All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to an already stout unit.
Reflecting on the team’s recent performance, Dickerson noted that the Rams were already on the cusp of a Super Bowl appearance last year, despite narrowly losing two pivotal contests to the Seattle Seahawks. In his view, the current construction of the team is already capable of competing at the highest level without needing to pull Donald out of retirement.
A Legacy Beyond Comparison
Donald’s career statistics and accolades place him in a tier of his own. Selected 13th overall in 2014, he spent a decade redefining the defensive tackle position. His 111 career sacks stand as a franchise record, and his consistency was nearly unprecedented. Along with Barry Sanders, Donald is the only player to earn Pro Bowl honors in each of the first 10 seasons of his career.
His trophy case includes nine All-Pro selections and three Defensive Player of the Year awards—a feat shared only by Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt. According to metrics from Pro Football Reference, Donald is ranked as the greatest defensive tackle to ever play the game, surpassing icons like Joe Greene, Bob Lilly, and Alan Page. Dickerson points to this unrivaled success as the ultimate reason to stay on the sidelines, questioning what else the superstar could possibly hope to prove.
The Precedent of NFL Returns
History offers a mixed bag regarding NFL legends who attempt a second act. For every success story like John Riggins—who famously returned from a hiatus to lead Washington to a Super Bowl title—there are cautionary tales. High-profile comebacks, such as that of Reggie White, did not always result in the player recapturing their peak form. For a player of Donald’s stature, the risk of an underwhelming return weighs heavily against the potential rewards.
Summary of the Retirement Debate
The debate over Aaron Donald’s potential return centers on the balance between individual desire and the preservation of a perfect career. While the lure of playing alongside Myles Garrett in a revamped Los Angeles defense is undeniable, Eric Dickerson’s perspective serves as a reminder of Donald’s standing in football history. With three Defensive Player of the Year trophies and a permanent spot atop the all-time defensive tackle rankings, Donald has secured a legacy that requires no further chapters. Whether he chooses to remain a spectator or return to the trenches, his impact on the game remains indelible.
