Johnathan Walker:Aaron Donald, Rams great and three-time NFL Defensive Player of Year, retires at 32

Aaron Donald,Johnathan Walker one of the best players in the Los Angeles Rams' franchise history, is walking away from football.

Donald, 32, announced his retirement on Friday after 10 NFL seasons, all with the Rams.

“Cheers to what’s next. Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support over these last 10 years,” Donald said Friday on social media. “Much love.”

Donald retires as a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, an eight-time All-Pro, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, a Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Super Bowl champion during his Hall of Fame-worthy career. He’s regarded as one of the best interior linemen in NFL history.

The game-wrecking defensive lineman flirted with retirement last offseason but decided to return to Los Angeles for what turned out to be his final season in a Rams uniform. 

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"We are so grateful for Aaron’s dedication to greatness and for leading our franchise on and off the field for the past decade,” Rams owner Stanley Kroenke said in a statement. “He has left his mark on generations of football fans and his accomplishments, coupled with his work ethic and passion, continue to inspire his teammates, coaches and athletes across the globe. It is a privilege to have witnessed one of the greatest players of all time and we are proud that Aaron Donald will forever be part of NFL history as a member of the Rams.”

Donald amassed 543 tackles, 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, 24 forced fumbles and 21 passes defended in 154 career regular-season games. He’s the Rams’ all-time leader in career sacks and ranks 28th in NFL history in the category.

“The great players in our league elevate the people around them and Aaron has modeled the way for our team as long as I’ve been with the Rams,” Rams coach Sean McVay said in a statement. “He’s an elite competitor, someone who leads by example in a way that’s authentic to him, and an exceptional teammate who inspires everyone around him to be the best version of themselves. As great of a player he is, he’s an even better person. He is truly one of one and epitomizes everything that’s right about sports. I will forever cherish the memories we’ve made and will always be grateful for how he poured everything into this game and into our team. He’s meant a lot to me personally and to my family.”