American · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Born 23 May 1991American defensive tackle widely regarded as one of the greatest interior linemen in NFL history, known for his exceptional pass-rushing ability.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1991, Aaron Charles Donald grew up in a working-class family and developed his athletic prowess at Penn Hills High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball. He continued his football career at the University of Pittsburgh, playing for the Panthers from 2010 to 2013. During his collegiate tenure, Donald established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line, earning unanimous All-American honors and winning the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Outland Trophy as a senior. The Los Angeles Rams selected Donald 13th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, beginning what would become one of the most dominant careers by a defensive player in league history. From his rookie season onward, Donald redefined expectations for interior pass rushers. His extraordinary combination of explosive first-step quickness—reportedly the fastest ever recorded by a defensive lineman at the NFL Combine—with refined hand technique and relentless motor made him virtually unblockable. Donald earned Pro Bowl selections in each of his nine seasons and was named First-Team All-Pro eight times. Donald's individual accolades are unprecedented for an interior defensive lineman. He became the only defensive tackle in NFL history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award three times, capturing the honor in 2017, 2018, and 2020. His 98 career sacks from the defensive tackle position represent an extraordinary achievement, considering interior linemen routinely face double and triple teams. Donald led the NFL in sacks during the 2018 season with 20.5, becoming the first defensive tackle since 1989 to lead the league in that category. Donald's career culminated with the Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, where his fourth-quarter pressure helped secure the championship. His impact transcended statistics, fundamentally changing how teams approach interior pass rush and defensive line play. Donald retired after the 2022 season, leaving behind a legacy as arguably the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history.
Revolutionizing the defensive tackle position with unprecedented pass rushing ability
How They Played
Explosive first step, exceptional hand technique, relentless motor, and rare ability to rush the passer from interior positions
Lasting Impact
Transformed expectations for interior defensive linemen and is considered one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history
Career Honours
- Super Bowl LVI Champion
- Defensive Player of the Year 3x (2017, 2018, 2020)
- Pro Bowl 9x
- All-Pro 8x
- Hall of Fame 2025
- Most career sacks by a DT
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020)
- 8x First-Team All-Pro
- 9x Pro Bowl
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | 2014–2023 | 154 |
American Athletes