Why 49ers’ Bosa thinks Donald retired from the NFL ‘the right way’ Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
The 49ers are probably happy They don’t have to face Longtime Los Angeles Rams superstar Defensive tackle Aaron Donald in week 3.
Defender Nick BosaIn particular, he knows life on the D-line very well and that San Francisco, no matter what happens, will have a few fewer headaches against its NFC West foes because of Donald’s retirement.
Bosa spoke briefly about Donald’s electric career and his new absence from 49ers and Rams games with reporters on Wednesday, expressing great admiration and gratitude.
“Dominant,” Bosa said of Donald’s career. “And he did it the right way. He was the best in the game for 10 years, then (he) said it, he came out healthy. And that’s everybody’s dream, so…
“It’s been fun watching him play. We’re glad we don’t have to play with him again.”
Donald is a future Pro Football Hall of Famer who retired before his body forced him to. As Bosa said, that’s “everyone’s dream.”
The eight-time All-Pro hung up his Rams jersey after the 2023 NFL season having recorded a victory in Super Bowl LVI and 543 career tackles.
But against his Bay Area rivals, Donald always seemed a little more focused.
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year recorded 33 quarterback hits, 21 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 18 career games against San Francisco. Donald also racked up 55 solo tackles.
“Phew,” he The 49ers are probably thinking.
Despite Donald’s impeccable resume, San Francisco has beaten him 13-5, but no 49ers offensive lineman or member of the Faithful will try to talk Donald out of retirement.
Sunday’s game at 1:25 p.m. PT will be different for the 49ers. They haven’t played a Donald-less Rams team since the 2013 season, when the defensive lineman was still a star at Pitt.
Ideally, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s jersey would remain pristine as a result.