Former Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald recently sparked conversation by suggesting he might end his two-year hiatus to play alongside Myles Garrett. However, one of the most celebrated figures in Rams history, Eric Dickerson, believes the legendary defensive tackle should remain in retirement.
Dickerson, the Hall of Fame running back who still holds the NFL’s single-season rushing yardage record, acknowledged the excitement of seeing Donald and Garrett on the same defensive line. Despite the potential for such a pairing to dominate, Dickerson maintains that a comeback isn’t necessary for Donald’s career or the team’s success.
Dickerson Advises Donald to Value His Post-Playing Career
When asked about the rumors of a potential return, Dickerson’s advice was straightforward: stay retired and enjoy the fruits of a historic career. He emphasized that Donald has already accomplished everything a player could hope for and has nothing left to prove on the professional stage.
Dickerson pointed to two primary factors for his stance. First, he believes the current Rams roster is already built for a deep postseason run. Following the acquisitions of two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and standout cornerback Trent McDuffie, the defense has significant firepower. Dickerson noted that the Rams were incredibly close to a Super Bowl appearance last season, and the current group is capable of finishing the job.
The Unmatched Legacy of an Interior Defender
The second reason involves Donald’s place in football history. As the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Donald spent a decade redefining the defensive tackle position. He concluded his initial run with a franchise-record 111 sacks. His consistency was nearly unprecedented, earning him 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections—a feat matched only by Barry Sanders for players starting their careers. Additionally, he secured nine All-Pro nods and three Defensive Player of the Year awards, joining Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt as the only players to win the award three times.
Statistical analysis from Pro Football Reference ranks Donald as the premier defensive tackle in the history of the sport, placing him ahead of legendary Hall of Famers such as Joe Greene, Alan Page, and Bob Lilly. Given this standing, Dickerson argues that returning to the field offers little reward compared to the risk of tarnishing a perfect exit.
The Challenges of Professional Comebacks
History shows that returning to the NFL after retirement is a mixed bag. While legends like Reggie White experienced somewhat underwhelming second acts, others have found late-career glory. A notable success story is Hall of Famer John Riggins, who returned from a two-year break to lead Washington to a Super Bowl victory. For Donald, the question remains whether the pull of the game and the chance to play with another elite defender like Garrett outweighs the risk of returning after significant time away from the sport.
Summary of the Aaron Donald Retirement Debate
While the prospect of Aaron Donald returning to Los Angeles creates significant buzz, Eric Dickerson’s perspective serves as a reminder of the defensive tackle’s complete legacy. With the Rams already possessing a championship-caliber roster featuring Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, Donald’s resume is secure regardless of whether he ever puts on a helmet again. The debate highlights the rare position Donald is in: a player who could still likely compete at a high level but whose career is already considered one of the greatest in NFL history.
