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Rams' Aaron Donald Mulls Return After McAfee Text

6/2/2026

34 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Donald Considers Comeback

Pat McAfee texted Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald about a possible un-retirement after the Rams acquired end Aaron Garrett.
Aaron Donald, 35, said he must test his body before returning after two years off.
Aaron Donald recorded eight sacks and earned first-team All-Pro for the eighth time last season.
Aaron Donald posted workout videos and has two months before training camp and a Week 1 trip to Australia to assess health.

Summary

Donald Mulls Return

Jaylen Watson used Twitter to recruit Aaron Donald after the Rams added Myles Garrett.
Former ESPN anchor Trey Wingo tweeted Garrett paired with Donald, intensifying comeback speculation.
LeSean McCoy texted Donald 24 hours ago asking if he would play again, while Michael Brockers said on his podcast Donald is staying ready, despite Donald’s August 2025 claim of being happily retired.

History

Historical Context

After leading Green Bay to a Super Bowl win and a 321-game start streak, quarterback Brett Favre announced his retirement on March 4, 2008, sparking league-wide speculation. Within weeks he signaled a desire to return, and by July the Packers denied his release, prompting his trade to the New York Jets. The episode reflected the franchise’s transition to Aaron Rodgers as successor.

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Donald Considers Comeback

Pat McAfee texted Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald about a possible un-retirement after the Rams acquired end Aaron Garrett.
Aaron Donald, 35, said he must test his body before returning after two years off.
Aaron Donald recorded eight sacks and earned first-team All-Pro for the eighth time last season.
Aaron Donald posted workout videos and has two months before training camp and a Week 1 trip to Australia to assess health.

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