Aaron Donald Reflects On His Legendary Career, Decision To Retire & Life After Football

Aaron Donald & Chris Long, two former Rams discuss Aaron's career in the NFL, being the greatest all time on the defensive side of the ball, his decision to retire after 10 NFL seasons, about their time time playing together with the Rams, memories in their DLine room and Aaron's life after football!
00:00 - Intro
4:00 - STL Rams DLine Group Text
6:00 - Decision to Retire
8:30 - His Father's Impact on his Life
16:20 - Life After Football
19:05 - Aaron's Game Preparation
22:50 - Love for the Rams
31:56 - Personal Life & Family
36:15 - NFL Quick Hitters
41:25 - AD is an Alpha Male
47:40 - Hall of Fame
Listen to the Full Episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify:
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HELLO, Locals! Green Light Podcast is hosted by Chris Long and is joined weekly by Kyle Long, Macon Gunter, Beau Allen, Stanford Steve + other many more athletes and celebrity guests.
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#nfl #larams #aarondonald #nflnews

[@landonsmobile3142]

Aaron Donald and Jason Kelce, two great men on and off the field. Much respect

[@ClaireFabulous-sd5wm]

So many great men in the NFL and other places

[@tonyb460]

2 hall of famers, no doubt.

[@johnthrasher8146]

Jason Kelcie on hearing Aaron Donald's announcement that he had retired said, "the only guy the Eagles ever game planned for to try and take out of a game was Aaron Donald." Interesting to hear Donald's side on how difficult the Eagles were to play. Great interview!! Thanks, Chris and thank you for being the best ever, Aaron Donald~

[@samhill93]

It’ll be a great weekend in Canton in 5 years when they both go in together.

[@nordyracker7389]

@@samhill93yes, and a lot of tears will be shed on that stage for sure!

[@dantethunderstone2118]

Game recognize game

[@johnmaksin9679]

Chris is out here doing the lords work and only gets 3,000 in views. Meanwhile Skip Bayless is giving takes that belong at an elementary school lunch table and gets millions...it's criminal

[@TheCountofToulouse]

I know he only won ONE Super Bowl but that ONE year was a dream year, that playoff run was truly epic and I can't think of ANYONE in football history that was great enough to CLOSE out not ONE but TWO championship games in a row...the SAME WAY!! There really was no one like this guy.

[@MattyCCollings]

Adam Vinatieri would like a word

[@TheCountofToulouse]

@@MattyCCollings Puh-lease. That has to be the most backward, up the anus comparison in the history of sports. No disrespect to Adam V but if you're doing that, we can just start pulling kickers from the 60's, 70's, 80's etc. I'm talking about AARON DONALD and his ONE Super Bowl win. Did Vinatieri sack two QB's as they threw the football on the last play in two championship games? Kick rocks with that crap.

[@rickm6949]

Makes me wanna cry… two of my fav, just need to add Robert Quinn

[@misfit13actual86]

From a Seahawks fan.. Nothing But Respect AD! Truly the G.O.A.T

[@garrettjohnson97]

Same, he controlled games. Glad he’s out of the division but sad the legend is hanging it up.

[@calishiiine0006]

Lol #99 took his frustrations out on Seattle, that's forsure😂

[@Trenchbaby32]

@@calishiiine0006russell wilson specifically

[@Iam_Lalo]

you know ball

[@happybird9527]

bes taking a year off then signing with hawks

[@taxman9910]

Absolutely incredible, I close my eyes and just listen to these two brothers just reminiscing. You can hear it in the voice of each the mutual respect and admiration that they have for each other. God bless the both of you.

[@NameIsRey]

I remember back during Aaron Donald’s rookie training camp, Chris Long posting on social media “this is a future defensive player of the year.” I didn’t think much of it way back then, but man did Chris ever call it spot on.

[@mattmcdonough3673]

I was at training camp in st louis. Chris said that Aaron donald will be rookie of the year.

[@harry0042]

AD, i'm glad i got to see your career. It was a dominant performance 10 years as a Ram. Have a happy retirement and all blessings to you and family. And Chris Long, St Louis luv u bruh. Go Rams........ #STLRams

[@happyface3937]

St. Louis Rams fan here also, love both these guys and enjoyed watching them. AD congrats on a dominating career, many great memories best of luck on your next endeavor.

[@DexVLive]

As a St. Louisian, I loved watching you guys work from start to finish. My son and I have studied both of your games to model as he goes throughout his career so far.

[@LeaveChrisAlone18]

Thank you, Aaron. The Greatest of All Time!

[@captainspartan04]

Mean Joe Greene

[@biozio186]

Please stop. AD retired because he was getting double and triple teamed last 3 seasons ​@@captainspartan04

[@Iam_Lalo]

@@captainspartan04 pfffttt.....please

[@tcollier5460]

Not even close!

[@Whatsthedill_ENT]

Aaron donald is the best defensive lineman in the history of the game. The older guys probably wouldn't be the best in the league now. Athletes train harder and don't smoke and drink in the locker room. I'm a seahawks fan and aaron..

[@folo9356]

Aaron Donald 🐐 thank you as a Rams fan.💯

[@joshuahammontree630]

Man, watching you and AD talk reminds me of Will, Chris, AD, Sims, and quinn.. one of the most dominant defenses in leagues history. The aggravating fact of the matter is, you guys would have had your flowers if the Rams offense during that time was at the very LEAST competitive. McVay is a hell of a coach and if he actually could have stuck with the 4-3 probably would've made history after Fisher lost his job..! I got a #91 Joel painting and my wall from a friend way back in highschool that knew how much i loved the Rams and C-Long was my favorite player for years and years and years! You and quinn was thunder and lightning! Miss you guys and damn I'm devastated AD retired because with him we would possibly be a superbowl team this year, without him I'm worried very worried to see what our dline will be. I like the new guys but Koby probably doesn't get the numbers he did without AD drawing double and triples most the time.

[@joshuahammontree630]

Hopefully Koby hits the benchs and every drop of sweat is for greatness like AD, I'm hoping at the very most he could turn out like AD1.5 there will never be someone as dominant as AD but hopefully he can be half of what AD was. Hopefully he comes out of retirement if the Rams make the playoffs, AD probably will yet again be the person that makes the confetti fly. McVay saying " Aaron Donald is going to make a play" will forever be one of the greatest quotes in sports history. AD finished the game in both the NFC championship game AND the superbowl. Absolute legend, I'm glad i got to see every single snap he played. I might be a bit depressed about not seeing 99 out there on the field being a wrecking ball that everyone tries to stop. At this point in his career he plays more of a decoy giving everyone else has a 1v1, ADs time for setting records is over because EVERYONE respects him and fears him. Just his presence on the field changes EVERYTHING! Hopefully he comes back at the right time if he ever decides to. If he doesn't than enjoy your life hope to see you in theaters someday. With your retirement a era comes closer to an end, Rob havenstien is all that is left for that era, gonna miss that defense that didn't allow a touchdown in 3 weeks. You guys were historical absolute savages, just wish you had a O to complement the work yall did.

[@crowhurd]

Simply the greatest. Damn, we’re gonna miss you @AD99

[@Guamrammer]

Going against triple teams and double teams every play ended this great man’s career. It was never gonna end cuz he’s a dog!!! The best ever to do it. Ride off into the sunset and continue to be to be a success. Loved watching you❤

[@joshladd5659]

Life long rams fan...SJ39 was like my hero growing up...to see Aaron be so humble...I was kinda scared to watch this interview I thought maybe he would be like that

[@ricmotta2495]

Outfreakinstanding Episode! It isn't just that it's two of my favorite players, but the chemistry, banter and flow of the chat was great and not without great questions and answers.

[@kareemosborne2421]

I agree 💯

[@glovedirt]

Sad to not be able to see again AD with Rams jersey on the field but so proud watching him with my team for all his time in NFL. French love Rams for life

[@matthewanderson6423]

Love AD!!! So happy we had him for 10 years. Great interview!

[@Showtimepicks_]

Aaron it was a pleasure watching you play man best of luck in retirement

[@thenickfoxx]

People throw the term "G.O.A.T" around like it's nothing these days. But Aaron Donald truly is the Greatest Of All Time. Best defensive player of all time.

[@carneroslatinos]

Great interview with AD!!! Ad and your Chris are great, your stories together have been incredible to hear. I have enjoyed you with my Rams, I thank you immensely. A big greeting from Argetina, Sergio.

[@GreenLightPodcast]

Thanks for watching!!

[@shannonmiller1754]

aaron as someone who has seen your entire career i want to say you are truly a rare 1 of 1 there will never be another aaron donald

[@TheCountofToulouse]

No one in recent memory drew the SHEER amount of GRAVITY Donald did. That alone tells you how dangerous he was. One of ONE, indeed.

[@ronaldwilson9545]

AD I want you to know I am so proud to have you on my team, and you made my outlook on life so inspired to be my best as a human. You are the very best human to ever play the game and the most inspiring man I have ever seen. My only regret is not ever seen you play. Without you the Rams would have never have done what they have. You and McVay are the reason my team has their respect in the NFL. You left use in great shape. Love you man. Have a blessed lfe my man...

[@roberttrumble3332]

As a life long Rams fan what an honnor to watch 99 dominate for 10 years. Best of his generation and the most consistent. Hearing him talk about how he doesn't want to go through another training camp gives me hope he will be back for the season 😅

[@lilac6333]

been waiting for this 🔥🔥appreciate the legend AD 🐐

[@firecap]

Hearing them talk about the Oxnard Cowboy fight brings back warm feeling for me, lol, I wasn’t one of the fans getting punches in, but I can verify it happen, front row seats

[@zuri8299]

this interview was amazing

[@jorgeorozco5417]

The baddest man I ever seen in defense

[@GreenLightPodcast]

No doubt!!

[@nateross73]

This needs to be a weekly show. 2 of my favorite Rams. Tell more Earth City stories.

[@keahilumho8914]

Chris my man you’re built for this. Really great job and a blessing to fans everywhere. May God bless all the works of your hands

[@deangelok7269]

Thank you Aaron... U done so much for us

[@DannyHoldStatenislandny]

Great job Kyle on the episode. U killed it

[@payotimeRamsYT]

Been waiting for this!

[@mysticbutterfly78]

I absolutely loved his story. Great episode!

[@zsutton6687]

I have a close family friend who works at the facility where Pitt and the Steelers practice out of. The 2 guys she remembers for how kind and appreciative at Pitt are Shady and AD. As a Steelers fan i always held out a sliver of hope AD would come home lol

[@tylerbraswell4476]

A broken clock is right two times a day, great pod! Love hearing behind the scene stories

[@joefranzoi9787]

Great episode

[@CaptainDee419]

Damn.......am I going to miss this man playing

[@charlesgrant3150]

Awesome podcast two of the greats.

[@Eaglemna]

21:30

[@Yupp_buddy]

Thank you!

[@FrankNguyen-TTT]

AD checked off every possible career accomplishments box… at DT. In 10 years. So incredible.

[@billyhassett2728]

One man wrecking crew. Soooo quick and explosive. We’ll probably never see another talent like this. Thx Aaron

[@Paul11B2P]

Good interview.

[@Toddkelley74]

Awesome episode my guy 💪💪🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@MOVER-bb6wu]

Awesome!

[@donjohnson5172]

For as long as he's been in the league, I've never actually heard this dude talk. It's crazy, because any time a Rams game was on, Aaron Donald is the ONE guy that I'd keep my eyes on when the defense was on the field. He sounds happy as hell, and I hope he stays that way. Thanks for everything AD, you'll be the guy that we will be telling the kids about.

[@glovedirt]

That's what we want love with teammate, I love see how well that's was between old Rams.

[@GoonerSamS]

Besides the fact that you guys where great football players. I love the way you are real and emotional in this interview. Big up 💯

[@ronmac2822]

One of the best at His position he was that Guy that put fear in his opponent,Great career and was able to leave on his own accord.No doubt!

[@Yaahboi52]

The greatest to ever do it 🐐

[@Iam_Lalo]

This video needs more attention

[@glovedirt]

Great show with two amazing Rams , need do more with ex Rams teammates. 🐏

[@LeaveChrisAlone18]

Aaron needs to return just to tell Will Hayes stories lol

[@networkthrift9163]

The greatest football player I have ever seen

[@marcoguizzetti7379]

If I could express a wish...it would be to have dinner with AD. I want to hear those memories from him 😂 how can you not love this man ..we love you AD

[@danwybrow7226]

The fact that anyone on this planet has EVER looked at AD and thought, “yeah! I’m gonna try and fight that guy” is absolutely bananas to me. Incredible human, TERRIFYING human if he’s not on your team 🫡

[@peterabbate301]

Just An Awesome Guy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RyanHorn-fk1sg]

Dope interview 2 of my all-time Rams hell yeah

[@CrockdaddyAoD]

As a STL Ram fan, it's a bit sad seeing the final link to Saint Louis retire. I distinctly recall Isaac Bruce first year or two in LA before the RAMs moved to STL and Isaac Bruce greatness was created while playing in Saint Louis. I always wondered how the LA fans felt. I think I now know, following Aaron Donald ... first year in STL, then moving to LA and seeing his career and HOF resume being written. Congrats Aaron Donald.

[@marcanthony2949]

I grew up watching Chris long too but I love the fact he knew AD would be goat

[@bobbykingcaffeine5010]

This is better than anything on espn.

[@bauerpower83]

Only found this because of youtube shorts. Him talking about kelcy. Smart plug for traffic

[@apboyd1]

Super good stuff here

[@VladimirZivkovic]

Rams legends ❤

[@dr9989]

Greatest of all time

[@jtk534]

respect to Aaron for an incredible career. loved hearing what he said about the birds game plan 😂 🦅

[@user-hi1nr6lv1l]

Chris please if we’re successful in December tell him to comeback he will be the key and a great influence on the future mob squad hope it’s ok the young guys take the name

[@Ken-bz6fr]

Aaron needs his own podcast or the Rams need to hire him and groom him as a coach.

[@ryan8165]

Love listening to AD talk man. You can hear Pittsburgh in his voice. If you're from here you know what I mean. Can't wait to see his HOF induction in 5 years.

[@kungfuimaging_adamcrase]

Now you’ll be going to the hall of fame in the same class as Kelce.

[@zacharyganibe2845]

The thought of Aaron being an actor is pure hype

[@ronnyanthon699]

Great job Chris. AD was and is an absolute legend

[@ronnyanthon699]

And your Dad is my favorite Raider another legend

[@d3uce3306]

One of the Greatest defensive players to ever do it!!! The shid player talk abt when talking abt him is like LT!

[@user-pc6kp9em5t]

How we only got 79 people watching

[@BenBeavers-pu3hd]

Defensive players rarely get love. It's getting worse with rule changes.

[@BoondockGore]

It's his channel, not Donald. Nobody watches this channel. The only reason it got across my algorithm is AD.

[@calishiiine0006]

Would of been awesome to have Robert Quinn & Willie Hayes on the podcast

[@twoton9295]

We working dawg

[@atSlickBoiChris]

People have lives

[@mschanandlerbong4206]

258 lb. DT getting double-digit sacks 😮 AD really was a generational talent🤌🙏

[@johnnyboyjohns2930]

285??

[@feynmanschwingere_mc2270]

285 - 300 lbs

[@chrisnivo]

​@johnnyboyjohns2930 I guess you missed his retirement interview with his wife Erica. AD said most people didn't know he played DT since 2018 between 258 - 262lbs, now that's insane!

[@mschanandlerbong4206]

@@chrisnivo these guys didn't watch this interview either because Chris had a great reaction to hearing Aaron say he played at 250+ and never played at 300 lb.

[@1grandpa654]

258 is basically a edge rusher weight

[@jpthagawdd8073]

The immediate anger when he mentioned Philly lmao

[@shanewayney]

AD as The Juggernaut. Or new Black Panther. Spawn. Doom Guy. 17:29

[@Axechucker]

G. O. A. T.

[@ericnestor4520]

Goat

[@mattvargashasyourback]

He had to fair and square beat doubles and triples without being able to slap offensive players in the head and go low into QBs like guys of the past could. He did it in an era where the rule changes for the sake of player safety set defenses up to fail even more than the ones that ended dead ball era, I’d argue. There’s a short list that includes LT, Reggie White, Sapp, and 1-2 others at most that I am respectfully am forgetting, that he belongs on. Probably the most impressive defensive career ever and we all know he’s got a few more good years in the tank

[@smithaz1981]

ALPHA CREW

[@edwinrampage39]

GOAT!!

[@sirblazing22]

Look. AD is BURNT OUT!!!! I hope he relaxes and by week 4 has the inch to comeback. Let us start off 8-0! I pray he comes if that happens!! I understand. We are all burnt out. I’m 34! Burnt out !!!

[@KaisynWatts]

Playing defensive tackle at 260 lbs is insanity

[@normanswears2567]

I believe the Rams defense allows 10-14 more points a game without that monster.

[@Whatsthedill_ENT]

Aaron donald go do new heights podcast next

[@dreamone8702]

Luv ya

[@joshsteinberg5785]

*cries in Rams fan* 😭

[@biozio186]

KOBIE TURNER!!!!!

[@matthewgrice6902]

👍

[@sirhposirhpo9222]

Yoooo did he really say AB. As in Antonio Brown. That’s hilarious.

[@happybird9527]

hes taking a year off then signing with seattle seahawks

[@jasonhartrup3447]

GREAT look at some cool coworkers

[@kosmicj4310]

Guna miss seeing Dominican thanos play

[@raymondwirth89]

He will be back for the superbowl run

[@raymondwirth89]

The rams defense took over in the2nd half of the superbowl and ad was the leader. Stafford started it ad ended it

[@BryanKim-yq7qb]

Ad gonna unretire when the rams make the playoffs

[@zj8478]

Michael Jordan of interior lineman

[@rickm6949]

Man I knew he was too happy after the lions game