Aaron Donald officially ended his retirement on Sunday, rejoining the Los Angeles Rams after stepping away from the NFL for more than two years. The 35-year-old defensive lineman, widely regarded as one of the top players at his position, embarked on an intensive comeback following retirement in early 2024.

Donald’s return to the Rams comes after several weeks of discussions and nearly three months of dedicated training. He participated in a light practice at the team’s training facility, where he was welcomed warmly by teammates, including Myles Garrett. Though Donald has not confirmed whether he will play in the Rams’ upcoming season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, scheduled to take place in Australia next month, he expressed confidence in his ability to perform at a high level.

“Do I feel like I can play at a high level? Yes,” Donald said. “Do I feel like I can still be myself? One hundred percent, and if I didn’t feel like that, I wouldn’t be here.”

The veteran player signed a one-year deal with the Rams, a contract reportedly worth at least $20 million contingent on incentives, according to ESPN. Donald’s career has been defined by a decade-long tenure exclusively with the Rams franchise, spanning both their St. Louis and Los Angeles chapters. During this time, he firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players, earning multiple accolades and playing a crucial role in the team’s defensive successes.

Donald’s return strengthens a Rams roster already considered loaded with talent and bolsters their defensive front as they aim to compete for another Super Bowl title. His comeback, once seen as unlikely, signals the team’s serious intent for the forthcoming season.