This LA Rams legend returns to mentor Rams eager energetic pass rushers

For LA Rams legendary All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the decision to retire was not necessarily an easy one to make. He had to weigh out his affinity for the game he loved and prospered at, his teammates, coaches, and opponents, and his ability to play the game of football at an elite lever, with his desire to end one chapter of his life and start writing a new chapter.

He chose the greater challenge; he chose to retire from the NFL.

In the process, he triggered the dominoes to fall for the LA Rams defense as well. Whether forewarned or not, any front office attempting to fill in the chasm left by the retirement of a player as elite as Aaron Donald in one offseason is doomed to fail. But the Rams had an inkling that Donald was near to that point of his career.

The team had already begun to make over the roster with young rookies in 2023: NT Kobie Turner and OLB Byron Young. And it was that bond forged with their mentor, Aaron Donald, that may have lured Donald back to check on their status, and refresh their memories as to how HE would play the game.

Of course, news like that travels at the speed of light, and soon enough everyone was talking about Aaron Donald visiting the LA Rams - Dallas Cowboys joint practice:

This was a surprise, but by no means a shock. After all, Aaron Donald is not just an NFL legend, but he remains heavily invested in his former team. He is the guy who welcomed both Kobie Turner and Byron Young to the NFL.

And he was not going to miss a chance to welcome new rookies to the team in 2024.

The legend meets 2 ex-Seminoles rookie stars

In 2024, the talk of the Rams training camp has been the outstanding impact that two former Florida State Seminoles defenders have made, are making, and will make in the NFL. Of course, I am talking about OLB Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske. Despite making it to preseason on the Rams roster, you just know that they were thrilled to meet Donald at practice.

And you know that Aaron Donald had some provocative advice and encouragement to the two Rams rookies who hope to shoulder part of the burden of playing in his wake:

Of course, Donald's presence was not limited to encouraging his teammates and successors. He has that aura that makes anyone on the football field feel particularly good about the game. Well, as long as you line up or coach the defensive side of the football, I suppose. Rams newly hired Defensive Coordinator Chris Shuls was excited to see Aaron Donald back, even if just in street clothes:

And he couldn't help but slip in the hint to 'come back and help coach,' into the discussion, could he? Perhaps that is why I am so optimistic about this Rams defense this season. While there is no shortage of unaffiliated and distant NFL analysts who may not see much upside to this group, there is a growing number of supporters, both players and NFL insiders, who are warming up to this young unit.

It was no small coincidence that while Aaron Donald visited the Rams, pass rushers like Jared Verse and Byron Young appeared to be unstoppable. And perhaps they are. This is a group that is coming together quickly, naturally. They are all smiles off the football field, and all business on the football field. Most of all, they share a kinship thanks to their passion for the game.

If Aaron Donald's career is elite, then his legacy of '"I'll partner with anyone, just make sure they care," is just as elite. In a succinct nine-word sentence, Donald gave the Rams personnel department the blueprints from which to construct future championship teams.

And so far, it seems to be working.

Thanks for reading.