Former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth says Aaron Donald's potential return could hinge on this one key factor.
The potential return of Los Angeles Rams legend and future Hall of Fame Aaron Donald is still at the forefront of the football world. There has been no clear answer as to whether he will remain retired or come back to the football world.
Many have weighed in on the matter, including former Rams champion offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth. In an exclusive interview with Edward Lewis of the California Post, Whitworth said Donald’s potential return could ultimately hinge on whether he is willing to risk suffering another injury or physical ailment on the football field.
"I think it’s going to be how comfortable he is with going back out there and understanding not the positive, but the negative," the ex-Rams left tackle said. "And that is you get injured. Injuries, things that affect you past football. It’s going to be how comfortable he is with that."
Whitworth, who played with Donald for the final five seasons of his career, said he believes the deciding factor will be whether Donald's body can withstand the physical toll and demands of another NFL season.
"Aaron’s a guy like me," Whitworth said. "He’s training all the time no matter what. You know when you go in there a few days how you feel and whether that’s every day life feel good, or I could sign up to play football.
"But only he will know that."
Donald, 35, is still in great shape. He posts workout videos now and then to remind us that he is from another planet.
He certainly has the strength and durability to play another season if he wanted; however, it’s unclear if the three-time Defensive Player of the Year wants to put his body through that again.
Donald decided to retire from football after the 2023 season. In his 10-year career as a Ram and in the league, he panned out one of the most dominant and illustrious careers of many players, regardless of position.
He helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl title, was named the 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, is a 10-time Pro Bowler, an eight-time First-team All-Pro, won the Deacon Jones Award in 2018 and was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
With training camp a few weeks away, it still remains unclear if Donald will return to the gridiron.
If he decides to remain retired, the Rams will respect his wishes. However, if Donald wants to put on the pads and helmet one more time, they will welcome him with open arms.
The Rams are already a scary bunch, and the potential addition of Donald will make them damn near impossible to stop.
