Living

Is This Retired NFL Superstar Making a Comeback? New Video Hints at Answer

By Shawn Laib Men's Journal

There have been several rumors running amok all summer that former Los Angeles Rams Defensive Player of the Year winner Aaron Donald would be returning to the team next season. Now, there's more evidence than ever that it might be a reality sooner rather than later.

TMZ posted a video showing Donald at the Rams' practice facility and working out. It's hard to believe that Donald would just be doing exercises at the Rams' place; clearly, the retired superstar is making a real effort to determine if he's NFL-ready for 2026.

Donald hasn't played since the 2023 season. He was drafted in 2014 and won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, one Super Bowl, and was named to eight First-team All-Pros during his nine years in St. Louis and Los Angeles with the Rams. His sudden retirement in 2023 was certainly shocking, considering that he was still at the top of his game.

The Rams are one of the biggest favorites to win the Super Bowl in 2026. They faltered to the World Champion Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFC Title Game after completing a 12-5 regular season.

Matthew Stafford is coming off the best season of his career, and the team traded for current Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett this offseason. They are one of the most talented teams in the NFL, and adding Donald back might just put them over the top.

On the other hand, coming back from a long hiatus takes time. In tennis, Serena Williams just came back at 44 years old to play singles at Wimbledon. She lost in the first round of the tournament. Football is a much more physically demanding sport than tennis, but Donald is only 35.

The Rams will open the preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs on August 15. They open the regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 2:18 PM.