Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday after a legendary 10-year career.
There have been plenty of great reactions to the news, though Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray might have had one of the best.
Kyler Murray Reacts to Aaron Donald’s Retirement
The Rams defensive lineman is calling it a career after 10 years in the NFL, he announced on social media:
“For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level,” Donald wrote. “I’m thankful for the people I have met along the way, the relationships I’ve built and the things I’ve accomplished with my teammates and individually.”
Donald went on to thank the cities of St. Louis — where he played the first two seasons of his 10-year NFL career — and Los Angeles and Rams owner Stan Kroenke.
Donald added: “I appreciate everyone on the field, off the field, and behind the scenes that made my job smooth. I know I’m going to miss my teammates and the camaraderie we had in the building, as well as the coaches who will continue to have a lasting impact on me.”
He finishes his career as an eight-time First-Team All-Pro, a 10-time Pro Bowler, and a Super Bowl champion.
Donald, the 13th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, totaled 111 sacks, 260 quarterback hits, 176 total tackles for loss, and 24 forced fumbles.
Donald won the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2014 after tallying nine sacks, 18 total tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. His best year came in 2018 when he led the league with 20.5 sacks and 25 total tackles for loss.
Donald is not only his franchise’s all-time sack leader, he owns the record by 23.5 sacks over Leonard Little.
Murray used just two words and three emojis to deliver the most hilarious reaction to Aaron Donald’s retirement on Friday.
“THANK GOD,” Murray wrote.
THANK GOD.😂😅🫡
— Kyler Murray (@K1) March 15, 2024
The rest of the NFC West certainly feels the same, as Donald caused trouble for the Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers, who had to play him twice a season. After his initial post, Murray did add a slightly more serious but still humorous message for the legendary defensive lineman.
“Honored to have competed against the best of All-Time! @AaronDonald97 Enjoy ya retirement and plz don’t come back,” he wrote.
Honored to have competed against the best of All-Time! @AaronDonald97
Enjoy ya retirement and plz don’t come back.🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/DcVhCMw0vv
— Kyler Murray (@K1) March 15, 2024
Donald accumulated 47 tackles, including 16 sacks, in 20 games against the Cardinals. Murray himself is happy to see Donald go, as Arizona’s passer holds a 1-7 record against Los Angeles since entering the NFL.
Donald’s 100th career sack was against Murray, and the Rams even have a video on their YouTube page titled “Highlights: Aaron Donald Sacking Kyler Murray For 1 Minute Straight.”
Murray and Co. can now breathe a sigh of relief that they won’t have to deal with Donald anymore.
KEEP READING: NFL World Honors Aaron Donald Following Retirement Announcement