Aaron Donald: Opens up, Next Chapter, 1st summer without NFL training camp & family bond | The Pivot

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Being able to walk away from any career on own terms is something we all want when we are ready for that next chapter but to say farewell to football, a game you love and dedicated your life to, feeling satisfied, complete and accomplished is truly more than one could ever dream of and after 8 Pro Bowls in 10 seasons, a Super Bowl trophy, and a decade of memories, future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald reflects on how his career was more than just football...
Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with recently-retired Aaron Donald, one of the best to ever put the pads on, to go through his football journey, from the 5yr old kid who just wanted to compete to becoming the respected man who led his team to two Super Bowls while having a family-first mentality of being a father and husband...Aaron opens up about much more than we saw on the outside and his process that guided him to stepping away from the game after 10 seasons.
From the outside, Aaron Donald's career resembles as close to perfection as can be, but AD shares with the guys that there were a lot of tough moments for him mentally, personally and physically that he endured while accepting the role as not just the face of a franchise but the face of the NFL. Experiencing the lows of LA's Super Bowl 53 loss to the highs of the team's Super Bowl 56 victory, Aaron talks about the importance of him reaching that key team accomplishment in the game which surpassed all of his individual accolades he achieved. Going in-depth about key relationships from Coach Sean McVay, to teammates, to his parents to the bond he has with his wife, Aaron touches on the struggles and emotional rollercoaster during certain moments and reflects on the memories his illustrious career provided. Sharing inside locker room stories and never-told before stories, Aaron opens up on every aspect of who he is and strived to be as the player, the son, the father, the husband and the teammate.
On the field, the world saw one of the fiercest football players to ever play the game, but during this vulnerable conversation, the guys peel back the layers of a man who wore his heart on his sleeve and how he became synonymous with hard work and dedication to his craft, ultimately retiring as one of the best defensive players in the history of the NFL.
Coming out of high school, coaches thought AD was undersized, and he only had only 3 scholarship offers for football but Aaron made the most of his opportunities and played with a chip on his shoulder proving the position is about strength, skill and technique not just size. Aaron shares how he developed his alpha mentality at a young age and relied on his family, father and brothers to help instill character, work ethic and a survivor mentality which motivated his mindset from early days as a Pitt Panther through his last game as a Los Angeles Ram.
Walking away from what you love is never easy, but Aaron has no regrets and certainly no unfinished business as for him it was never about playing for a paycheck, it was always about the passion for the process and yearning to be the best. Entering his first summer without training camp, AD doesn't feel the void of football as he feels his life is complete in so many areas that his next chapter might be his best yet. It's about family now, as he credits his wife and kids for being a big part of his career and expresses ultimate gratitude to his wife Erica for always having his back and putting his well-being first all these years which leads to a deeper conversation about mental health, and not being afraid to open up and share when times get dark.
New York City, come meet us at Fanatics Fest NYC! We’re excited to be at FFNYC alongside some of the biggest names in sports such as Tom Brady, Derek Jeter, Kevin Durant & more. FFNYC is happening August 16 -18, 2004 at the Javits Center. Visit bit.ly/3R0f8hn to buy your tickets now!
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[@leprincefordham6873]

Aaron talking abt his wife was beautiful. Congrats to them!

[@4pf_dan292]

Banger after banger🔥

[@SoCalNiner99]

Threw me off when she was sitting there 😂 super beautiful story though 🔥

[@Teroy34]

S/O Fred for completing his degree in May !! UF alum here as well 24’ 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@d.green225]

GO GATORS 🧡💙

[@Spree1775]

UF 2011 BABY!!!

[@brandonj3058]

Go Gators 🐊 Congratulations to you and the class of 24🎉🎉🎉🥃🍻

[@TheSteveJolly]

2019 🐊

[@Spree1775]

@@Teroy34 Round of applause to all UF ALUM and Alumni. RIP to the Gator 1 cards

[@RVRayRay]

First ballot HOF’er and one of the best D-Linemen ever. Respect to AD🫡

[@jblaze600]

So blessed to see Ray Lewis and Aaron Donald play this generation. Two of the greatest to do it. 🙏

[@biggd54vikings]

Facts

[@speedkills232002]

Facts 💯

[@IndianaEd]

💯

[@Cynsham]

for real

[@jakezarlingo3315]

I love how Donald acknowledges he’s done everything from winning a Super Bowl to starting out on a proven losing team. He really has experienced everything in that regard

[@mr.wilson381]

The smile when he started discussing wifey was priceless salute bro 🌹💯

[@_Tree]

As a native St. Louisan, I watched him play! He was the last draft pick as part of the St. Louis Rams. I like him as a player and a person. This was a good interview

[@RuizSBLVIChamps]

Todd Gurley has left the chat lol

[@davylambert21]

AD seems as genuine as it gets.

[@TMoz311]

I'm Pittsburgh, born and raised. I attended Penn Hills HS and my son will be doing the same this upcoming year and I can say AD and his family/team do so much good for the community. My son attended one of his camps this summer and we will be going every year moving forward♥️💛

[@anthonyhenry1582]

Penn Hills stand up!

[@GODsoN_8471]

What position does your son play? Wish him health and success.

[@TMoz311]

@@GODsoN_8471 WR/CB🙏🏾 Thanks

[@TMoz311]

@@anthonyhenry1582 💪🏾💪🏾

[@etc7898]

Great to hear! I would assume nothing less but it’s just good to hear someone of his caliber and status is as advertised. Good luck to your little one and make the most of it!

[@pimpjuice811]

As an Eagles fan I have nothing but love and respect for AD. Monster on the field but a true role model off of it! I'm going to miss him but he truly has done everything an athlete could and should want to do in their career. Enjoy your retirement big man🙏

[@fabianfonseca4305]

You can just tell he is so genuine

[@biggd54vikings]

AD is really a GOAT on and off the field! Best DT ever but able to walk away from the game with no regrets…From a Long Life Rams fan I want to say Thank you!!

[@ctoney7]

Aaron Donald is really The Hulk! That's why he was so good. He never looked angry but he was and he let it all out on the football field

[@GODsoN_8471]

Can't be Hulk if you're always calm lol but power wise no question.

[@JamesAvila-xu7ds]

@@GODsoN_8471paint him in green and he is the hulk lol

[@Unclekoze]

“That was you peaceful? I hate to see you mad”😂😂😂😂

[@stacylewis5406]

I'm gonna miss Aaron Donald on the field. I also understand why he decided to retire, smart man.

[@natebar3148]

thank god bro retired🙏buddy can't torture my seahawks no more

[@D.ocument.The.Journey]

@@natebar3148🤣🤣

[@etc7898]

Right. Make your money achieve your goals and get out in time to save your body and enjoy time with your family. That’s a man who has his priorities in order!

[@Pop-fo7nc]

Man shout out to the man wife for saying yes to his proposal with NO RING 💍! Women these days would trip tf out man

[@Richard-Reloaded]

I've seen how she carries herselfon multiple occasions. She's a REAL woman. Not one of these ran thru blow up dolls.

[@Pop-fo7nc]

@@Richard-Reloaded man she’s different bro fr. Salute to her I would’ve never thought that fr

[@718BabyBoy]

What woman ya meet? Lol up ya standards stop trying find girls the gram or the club

[@Chi13th]

​@718BabyBoy onb there are so many good girls out there 😂 these mfs be looking in the complete wrong places

[@jay3414]

She was genuine for sure, But that's way different coming from let's say a man that's not rich

[@quan4251]

Y’all gotta find Bob Sanders and get him on the set. We gotta hear his story

[@razornv7603]

Yup and Legarrete Blount they need to ask him about the time he K.O.’d that Boise state Defensive end lol

[@quan4251]

@@razornv7603 yeah maybe, but Bob first.

[@MikkiChavez]

Facts

[@D.ocument.The.Journey]

Facts idk why no one has interviewed him

[@jarondavis9795]

Please!

[@ralphjohnson940]

Yeah these guys are so dope this show should never run out of content so many players with interesting stories that need to be heard

[@rhakeemstennett5017]

AARON DONALD!!!! Definitely one of the best to EVER do it!!!! From the work ethic both on and off the field, to the humility he demonstrates on an everyday basis. The NFL has lost one of the GOATS! Greats like this I wish could play forever. I truly applaud his ability to make the extremely difficult decision to retire while still being recognized as one of the NFL’s elites. Thank you for 10 amazing seasons. Thank you for sharing the love and appreciation you have for your best friend and biggest supporter, your wife. Speaking from experience, when you have a partner that makes your interests and life goals their own you feel that together you can take on whatever the world has in store for you. Another top notch conversation! The Pivot team just keeps setting the bar higher and higher! Can’t wait to see what next. ❤🙏🏾

[@GODsoN_8471]

I never liked Kobe because after MJ retired it felt like he was trying to be him even in his post game interviews from how he talked to the way he chewed his gum lol but then I had to catch as many of his games in his last 7 years or so when it hit me a lot of my favorites weren't walking out there. Gotta appreciate them while you can.

[@jaronq_808]

Fred wearing a Fred Again shirt is legendary

[@easymoneyjus]

Fire lol

[@antonioashford3979]

The way RC said "He got beat up by a whole team" was nasty work.😂😂

[@mergedwithgod]

Ayoooo😂😂😂

[@terrencewilliams2988]

Being a Bengal fan I'm glad to hear someone like AD giving Geno Atkins praise

[@nfcwestbest9974]

That’s my dog right there been with ya since 2014. Im one of the few STL fans left everyone else went to KC! I cried the day you retired like a whole newborn baby!

[@swhalum]

Same here, from StL! My family switched to KC, but I stayed with my team, the Rams✊🏽

[@GODsoN_8471]

​@@swhalumI'm from Cleveland and football is the only sport where I'm loyal to a team but I can't just cheer for the team that wins all the time. I hate the Steelers but don't hate the Ravens because of Ray and Ed and now Lamar.

[@ZTheMohican]

Love my STLA rams lol

[@JamesAvila-xu7ds]

I stayed too now that they won a super bowl I’m over it

[@darrinelliot.]

I was a 6yr old LA native when Jerome Bettis captured my heart & love for the game of football & Los Angeles Rams. Always semi rooted for him & the Steelers growing up but through the good & bad the Los Angeles / St. Louis Rams have had my spirit & soul being my favorite team. AD came to us in a time when our team was in shambles & he was a glimmer of light. To see his career blossom & unfold has been a joy & honor to experience. Glad he’s forever etched in stone as a Ram. He’s a 1 of 1 second to none talent both on & off the field. Stellar human & overall good man. Great interview as always fellas. PIVOT

[@steverodgers777]

This is why the Pivot is great!!!! I love these interviews that bring levity and humor. But, I also love the serious and thought provoking episodes. Perfect balance in podcasting. Salute Fellas, another one.

[@CryssLuvsMuzik]

What a lovely man. Humble. Perfect teeth.😊

[@KENPACHI_13]

Maaan is that Fred wearing a FRED again t-shirt thats soo dope,it would be crazy to see him on the show

[@9INELIVES_91]

Much respect to 99 real goat! Made the game look easy!

[@amandacantrell1146]

He seems so genuine and humble. The love that man expresses for his beautiful wife is priceless. She seems just as great and the fact that she said yes to proposal without a ring this day and time is super amazing. Most women are only after these guys she seems just as great and the fact that she said yes to proposal without a ring this day and time is super amazing. They are a lot of women who would have turned their nose up at him with no ring. Plus she seems just as down to earth and humble as Aaron himself, so i can see how they're so compatible and in love. Great interview again gentlemen.

[@ddbrotherscontractors]

The wildest thing about Aaron's career and how he wrapped it.The Superbowl he won,he was the difference maker,AD and Von.The finality came down to the best defensive player.

[@BeansSW007]

Thank you to Aaron for an amazing 10 years. The best D-tackle of this generation. Great episode from the fellas, one of my favorites so far!

[@newera5238]

Eagles fan here, been working so much lately I didn’t know he retired 🙁. One of the GREATEST…Period!

[@E_Blizack206]

Great man and football player. Can’t lie as a Seahawks fan I am just relieved as him he doesn’t have the passion no more. He wreaked havoc on our offense for years!!!

[@bherbo3943]

Aron Donald became the best defensive player of his generation, arguably the best player of his generation(overall), arguably the best defensive player(ever), and is a Super Bowl champion. There really is nothing to play for after that lol

[@GODsoN_8471]

Especially after losing the first time so to make it back and win was mission complete. It's exactly why I picked the Celtics in the finals.

[@JamesAvila-xu7ds]

@@GODsoN_8471he was hungry ended the niners and bengals drive to win the championship

[@laurenrussell9869]

Awe he so in love with his wife ❤

[@jarreddoyle4264]

Very appreciative for the BEST PODCAST. THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT SHOW. ALL 4 OF YOU GENTLEMEN ARE GREAT EXAMPLES OF WHAT WE AS PEOPLE SHOULD BE. THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR WORK

[@michellemimibrummer]

Fred I’m luv’n that shirt!! Aaron is very transparent! I’m luv’n this brother!! Kuddos to his wife for being by his side and holding him up!! I just love black luv!! 🖤👏🏽💛🏈🖤

[@ZTheMohican]

Kid from Saint Louis here Aaron will probably never see this but I remember taking him him on draft night *that draft was loaded btw * and I remember watchin his first game I knew then he was a future HOFer

[@Sivart713]

Fred with the fred again shirt. What a G. hahaha

[@OptimisticKTV]

This is so amazing to see. I love hearing the BTS thoughts and moments from his career. Aaron is a hard worker and he really has had an amazing journey. I absolutely love the way he speaks on his beautiful family. I love how they panned to her and she's just beaming and smiling. So beautiful. CONGRATS AARON, job well done!

[@Dbullet27]

This might be the best interview yall ever did

[@PanagiotisAraujo11]

AD is simply greatness,he has that aura. I would love to see an episode,with another Rams legend Steven Jackson.

[@aishasow3566]

Aaron is a big guy with a big heart.

[@travishayward126]

Great show guys. Dammit Donald Is gonna be a hofmer for sure. Keep up the good work

[@dkny8519]

I’m so sorry that you guys are going through this and times will be rough and it may occur every day, every week, or every month. You guys are a family and you love each other!! I pray that you guys happiness remain and stay humble forever 🙏🏽🙏🏽🫶🏼

[@zuluwarlock9]

Aaron Donald Is Such A Humble Hero . Shout Out To Real Brothers . RC Hair Style Is Fire . Libra Power !

[@Klgray7373]

Lol I kept looking at RC’s new haircut. Hun & Aaron had that white front line up 😂

[@kingofrns1845]

You know it’s a great show when a viewer watches the episode more than once

[@armanitransport2604]

I'm glad to see AD happy with life and spending time with his family. Hill District Pa ✊🏾

[@Scott-ey4ze]

Real Eastside Pittsburgh legend!!

[@KickAds_Advertisement]

As someone that grew up around him and his family.. that was all facts he was saying about his dad and how he was coming up and now 💯🏁

[@Hi-LoFlippa704]

Whoever did Aaron Donald’s tennis chain… My God! The true definition of flawless diamonds. It’s beautiful! Big ass beautiful pointers!

[@manpreetsaini9147]

I think we would like to see Patrick Willis. Just hear his side story for walking away from the game in his prime!

[@TheCountofToulouse]

Aaron Donald is the REAL Mr.Incredible. I've never seen anything like him. I'll never forget the footage of Mike Singletary, when he was a coach for the Rams, watching footage of Donald. He turned to the other coach that was with him, eyes wide open and said "I've never seen ANYTHING like this...". Indeed.

[@chrisnivo]

I remember that too and that's one hellavu statement from the leader of the greatest defense ever.

[@ericmandell7895]

Amazing player!! AAMMAAZZIINNGG interview!! Thank you.

[@boricuacutta]

The other podcast doesnt conoare to this. RC, C AND FREDDY are genuine dudes. You can tell, Ill be supporting this movement always.

[@islandflavah6928]

Man shout out to AD for showing love for Fletch!!!!

[@jamiashoffler5426]

Was my favorite Defensive players for the last several years.

[@Malitubee]

Aaron is The man !! A true inspiration

[@sharonblossom9587]

Can’t say this enough LOVE me a Pivot interview!!!🔥🔥🔥🙌🏾 fella’s

[@LaZyiRemixes]

Could be a long time before we see a player as dominant year in and year out for a decade straight… Great episode and good luck with life after Football! 👏🏼

[@KrisiGoodman]

I will never forget the end of the Super Bowl. I felt like they won that game by Aaron Donald's sheer will!

[@tigermann777]

Aaron IS a PITT LEGEND and an NFL LEGEND!!!! Pittsburgh Proud!!! LETS GOOOOO!

[@RAMbo-209]

Miss you everyday Aaron 😭

[@tyrearn9235]

I absolutely LOVE HIM! What a great guy. Every time when he got emotional, so did I. He was a terror in his final year at Pitt and yet I didn't believe that he was going to put it together in the NFL. I WAS SOOOOO WRONG! My apology to you Mr. Donald and I can't wait to see you flood Canton Ohio with tears in 2029.❤😊

[@bjackson1904]

#1 Podcast & intro music. Love it!!!

[@edmundgil6008]

One of your BEST interviews! Damn… we hardly heard from Chan! Brutha’s eyes were big as saucers!

[@lashun1901]

Future guest Andre 3000!

[@Creoletastebuds]

Humble!! Great interview guys!! LSU guy here.

[@trentalexander2413]

I can appreciate a man that has a life philosophy of balance

[@jramos1501]

Love you Aaron. Fav player all time. Wish he would play next year with this young defense core. And an edge guy. But I get it

[@GMJM23]

Aaron seems like such a good guy.

[@russobenstine851]

Ok a humble man the goat no doubt Steelers fan but love to watch you play the game

[@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic]

I am 41 and a life long Giants fan. This is the 2nd best defensive player I have ever seen play pro football. Lawrence Taylor is #1. This guy you could literally not block with one man. Sad to see him retire early as he had many GREAT YEARS left. Him and Megatron leave me with a bittersweet feeling. Patrick Willis as well. This is arguably the ONLY guy who could dominate inside and then play end if he had to and do the very same. I don't think even Reggie white could move inside and have great success.

[@keishajohnson5335]

I have been waiting for this interview. Love Aaron Donald.

[@devinsalters9480]

He has the joy of a kid God bless you Mr. Donald enjoy.

[@BeansSW007]

That shirt Fred is wearing is tough 💯

[@75dobs]

Such a great interview. As a Rams fan, I only love Aaron Donald more.

[@armanto6726]

I love this interview 👌🏾👌🏾

[@mistainvisible]

Best Sports interview I’ve ever seen in my life no doubt

[@bigdiesel5412]

Me and AD are the same age but I'm only 5 ft 11 and I was 260lbs in hs and I played the same position as AD and all the colleges told me I was too small and Noone wanted to recruit me to play there. I foolishly listened to them and just left the game. I wish I was younger than AD so I could have seen him play I most likely wouldn't have quit so easily cause at that time there was no AD to show ppl you can play there.

[@MR.MAY0]

Gotta say I love this

[@dfin9246]

Fred shirt said it all.... again, again, again. Another great show

[@beardbellybillionaire5059]

Love you 99 forever a Rams Champion

[@dreambiggmedia]

this man said he skipped a check .... because he didnt want to embarrass the game ... this is why he is one of my favorite players

[@DeeTVx]

if any team said Donald could skip practice and training camp he would come back lol

[@ronhobbz1114]

lol mcvay said it lol he back 1 more year

[@laramstake3742]

He wouldn’t comeback to play for any other team besides the rams

[@laramstake3742]

The thing is all the players have to follow the cba so he would get fined just like every other player for missing team practices or training camp

[@sharonwynder218]

I don't think so

[@N.a.j.i.]

I don't think so. Bruh is still working out. He not talking like it's a grind. I don't get the impression he don't "like" practice or camp

[@doomsday5316]

That's my favorite player hell yeah man 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼🔥💯 "99"

[@woody3194]

My all time favorite Ram on my favorite show. As always great show fellas. RC where can we get that shirt?

[@Let_me_pray4_you]

This was a excellent interview ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@thepivotpodcast]

Thank you!

[@jrob4190]

Man Jalen and Aaron was my favorite defensive players. It's not an understatement to say Aaron won us that game, cause chase best Jalen on the play Aaron got the pressure. He was WIDE OPEN

[@joseestrella3294]

Man this guy was great ...amazin player

[@DetroitCoalition]

40:51 Aaron at 3tech, Vince Wilfork at 1tech, LT on the right, Reggie on the Left.

[@byronswanswan3597]

Mr Aaron Donald your simply the best nose tackle and pro football on my Lord and Savior has blessed you in so many ways I enjoyed the interview with you gentlemen on the pivot outstanding work God be the glory to the Mr Donald and Mrs Donald's family You are simply the best and gentlemen you have done another outstanding interview Praise and glory to you guys You deserve all the praise and glory in Jesus name we pray as a fan I enjoyed that interview Mr Donald your simply the best God has blessed you in so many ways 10 to keep prospering with your lovely family glory glory well done my servant well done 👈🏾☝🏾🙏🏾☝🏾🙏🏾☝🏾🙏🏾☝🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾👈🏾👈🏾

[@itsjustlyfe1774]

Donald, Sapp and Randle went krazy. Don't sleep on Byrant Young at DT. How do we differentiate between a DT in a 3-4 vs 4-3? Even a DE or OLB in a 3-4 vs 4-3. They have different responsibilities.

[@JamesAvila-xu7ds]

I still rock my 99 stl jersey of you bro

[@PureSoul_93]

Finally My Favorite Player. RamGang !!

[@jules1662]

AD so balanced. ❤❤❤❤ this

[@davidmontgomery2135]

He walked away on top!!!

[@ramontrevi10]

The Best Ram ever. Thank your for everything, GOAT

[@dellanixon7657]

I appreciate you guys so Much! Brandon Definitely mess up Big Time !!❤🙏🏾😇😇😇

[@gerrynunez9227]

Easily one of my favorite episodes! Up there with McVay and Morris.