‘Great career’: Internet hails NFL legend Aaron Donald as he hangs up his boots at 32 after ‘giving everything to football’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The National Football League (NFL) bid farewell to one of its most dominant forces on Thursday, March 14, as Aaron Donald, the legendary defensive tackle of the Los Angeles Rams, announced his retirement from professional football.

After a decade-long career that saw him rewrite record books, accumulate a treasure trove of accolades, and etch his name among the greatest to ever play the game, Donald's decision to hang up his cleats sent shockwaves through the sports world.

At just 32 years, the unstoppable interior lineman walked away from the gridiron, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be revered and a void that will be nearly impossible to fill, as per The Daily Beast.

Aaron Donald's retirement comes on heels of extraordinary career

Donald's retirement comes on the heels of a career that can only be described as extraordinary.

A three-time Defensive Player of the Year, a Super Bowl champion, and a 10-time Pro Bowler, Donald's accolades speak volumes about his relentless pursuit of excellence. With a staggering 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, and 543 total tackles, he etched his name among the greatest defensive linemen to ever grace the field.

In his own words, Donald expressed the unwavering dedication that fueled his success: "Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically—365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be. I respected this game like no other, and I'm blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me."

Aaron Donald's crowning achievement came in Super Bowl LVI triumph over Cincinnati Bengals

Donald's journey with the Rams began in 2014 when the franchise, then based in St Louis, selected him with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft. From that moment on, he became a cornerstone of the team's success, his impact reverberating through every snap he took.

"Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team, and retire with that team," Donald remarked, underscoring the rarity of his accomplishment. "I do not, and will not, take that for granted."

His crowning achievement came in the Super Bowl LVI triumph over the Cincinnati Bengals, where his relentless pursuit of the quarterback was instrumental in securing the Rams' victory.

Head Coach Sean McVay praised Donald's impact, calling him "an elite competitor" and "an even better person".

Internet erupts with praise for Aaron Donald

Following Donald's retirement announcement, the Internet erupted with praise for the NFL icon. One X user hailed him as the "Legend of the game," while another lauded his multifaceted prowess, stating, "AD was an absolute beast! The speed. The power. The agility. The IQ. He’ll be missed and celebrated. 1st ballot HOF for sure."

Further accolades poured in, with a third user expressing awe, stating, "Wow a beast," and another offering well wishes for Donald's future endeavors, commenting, "Great career! Good luck in the next chapter!"

Among the tributes, one user dubbed Donald as "Donald the goat," emphasizing his status as one of the greatest of all time.

Another echoed similar sentiments, proclaiming, "One of the best to ever do it."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.