Friday saw a Hall of Fame career come to an end. With the announcement that Aaron Donald is deciding to hang up his cleats and move on to the next chapter of his life, he leaves behind a legendary legacy that leaves the NFL and sports world stunned.
NFL World Reacts to Aaron Donald’s Surprise Retirement
Donald didn’t do it with a big announcement or press conference; he did it very much like the way he has done everything in his career — straight to the point and with effectiveness.
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. Much love. 🍾🙏🏽💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/edGxkUYdLz
— AD_99 (@AaronDonald97) March 15, 2024
“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. Much love. 🍾🙏🏽💪🏽”
From there, the outpour of reaction spread wide from fans and media to stars from other sports. Donald left an impact on the game and left it better than where he found it, and the reaction to his departure all confirms this.
Amazing career… one of the best to ever do it!! Much respect ✊🏽 https://t.co/KmyGFbm2SC
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 15, 2024
Philadelphia Eagles star cornerback Darius Slay put it simply: “Amazing career… one of the best to ever do it!! Much respect ✊🏽”
THANK GOD.😂😅🫡
— Kyler Murray (@K1) March 15, 2024
Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray knows all too well what Donald is capable of and has been on the receiving end of the wrath of the former Rams DT plenty of times, expressing his relief jokingly while showing his support.
“THANK GOD.😂😅🫡”
Enjoy your retirement 99. The work u put in on that gridiron is unmatched.
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) March 15, 2024
It wasn’t just NFL stars who were chiming in to show their respects; NBA superstar and NFL superfan Kevin Durant took to social media to pay his respects to an excellent career.
“Enjoy your retirement 99. The work u put in on that gridiron is unmatched.”
the GOAT. mount rushmore of favorite players ever. routinely made one of the toughest positions in sports look like child’s play. https://t.co/XzB5r8dgBh pic.twitter.com/dChk94kh2X
— charles (“you look good” – andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) March 15, 2024
It wasn’t just players and superstars who took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their appreciation. Fans were stunned and appreciative of the time he put in for their favorite team and were quick to praise him for the legacy he left.
“the GOAT. mount rushmore of favorite players ever. routinely made one of the toughest positions in sports look like child’s play.”
Truly legendary career. 🫡 at the height of his powers, probably the best football player I ever covered. Aaron Donald announces his retirement. https://t.co/KFPRbt2PGM
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) March 15, 2024
Those within the media who got a chance to know Donald and see firsthand the dominance he imposed during his career were able to send him off with a farewell, too.
“Truly legendary career. 🫡 at the height of his powers, probably the best football player I ever covered. Aaron Donald announces his retirement.”
KEEP READING: Aaron Donald Retires — Los Angeles Rams Superstar Walks Away at 32 Years Old
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