Ex-Rams star Aaron Donald, 32, admits he’s ‘burnt out’ after retiring

Aaron Donald revealed he knew he was done shortly after the Los Angeles Rams lost to the Detroit Lions in the playoffs in January in a retirement video shared on social media.

Donald, a first-team All-Pro eight times in 10 seasons, couldn’t imagine returning for an 11th year in the NFL, even though he was only 32 years old.

“I went to two Super Bowls. I won one, I lost one. I am complete. I’m full,” the now-retired defensive tackle said in a clip shared on his X (Twitter) account on Wednesday.

“I think the passion for playing this game is no longer there for me. I will always love football, but thinking about going through another camp and another 17 (game) season, I don’t have it all I just don’t want to force myself not to do that anymore.

Donald has recorded 111 sacks and 543 tackles in 154 career games (150 starts) since being selected by the Rams with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh.

Los Angeles coach Sean McVay said Donald used those words – “I’m full” – when he informed the franchise his career was ending.

Donald teased an upcoming video in his online statement Wednesday.

“I’m exhausted. …I’m full, I’m complete, I’m satisfied with what I’ve been able to do in 10 years and I think it’s time for me, at 32, to retire from football and move on to the next step. of my career and my life, and now it’s time to move on,” he said.

Donald finishes his career as the fastest defensive tackle to reach 100 sacks in NFL history.

He is also one of three players to be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times.