Aaron Donald unretires, rejoins Rams after Myles Garrett trade
Quelle: USA Today
Veteran defensive tackle Aaron Donald has officially come out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams for the 2026 NFL season. The 35-year-old will play on a one-year deal worth $20 million, with incentives that could push the total value to $30 million. Donald announced his decision on Instagram, ending months of speculation about whether the former All-Pro would return to professional football after initially stepping away from the game following the 2023 season.
Donald's return was largely sparked by the Rams' blockbuster trade for star pass-rusher Myles Garrett, which significantly upgraded the team's defensive line. In a text exchange with sports broadcaster Pat McAfee, Donald admitted that the Garrett trade had him reconsidering retirement. He cautiously noted that he needed to determine whether his competitive drive had returned, saying he had to see 'if that fire can light back up' before committing to a comeback.
Prior to making his decision official, Donald was spotted working out at the Rams' training facility on multiple occasions during the offseason. Head coach Sean McVay indicated the team would take a careful, day-by-day approach to managing Donald's preparation, particularly with respect to whether he would be ready to play in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10. The cautious approach reflects both the player's age and the length of his time away from competitive play.
Donald had previously given little indication that a return was imminent. As recently as May, he described himself as happily retired on a podcast, likening his mentality to NFL legend Barry Sanders and stating he had always planned to play just eight seasons. However, after winning Super Bowl 56 with the Rams in his eighth year, he extended his career twice more, motivated by the desire to win another championship before finally hanging up his cleats in 2024.
Should Donald recapture his dominant form, he will look to add to his 111 career sacks — a total that already ranks third in Rams franchise history, behind Deacon Jones and Jack Youngblood. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year now has another opportunity to chase a second Super Bowl ring alongside an upgraded roster. His return has generated considerable excitement around the Rams' prospects for the 2026 season and could prove to be one of the most impactful unretirements in NFL history.
Japanische Übersetzung
ベテランのディフェンシブタックル、アーロン・ドナルドがロサンゼルス・ラムズへの復帰を正式に発表し、2026年のNFLシーズンに向けて現役に戻ることとなった。35歳の同選手は2000万ドルの1年契約を結び、インセンティブ達成時には最大3000万ドルに達する可能性がある。2023年シーズン後に引退を表明していたドナルドだが、インスタグラムでその決断を公表し、長きにわたる復帰をめぐる憶測に終止符を打った。
ドナルドの復帰を後押ししたのは、ラムズがスター選手マイルズ・ギャレットを獲得した大型トレードだった。スポーツキャスターのパット・マカフィーとのメッセージのやり取りで、ドナルドはギャレットのトレードが引退を再考させるきっかけになったと明かした。ただし、「もう一度燃え上がれるかどうか確かめなければならない」と慎重な姿勢を示し、復帰を即座に約束することは避けた。
正式発表の前から、ドナルドはオフシーズン中にラムズの練習施設で複数回トレーニングする姿が目撃されていた。ショーン・マクベイ・ヘッドコーチは、9月10日のサンフランシスコ49ers戦での開幕スタメン可否を含め、選手の調整状況を慎重に見極めながら一日一日対応していく方針を示した。これは選手の年齢と長期の離脱期間を考慮した判断と言える。
ドナルドはそれ以前、復帰の可能性についてほとんど示唆していなかった。5月には自分を引退したNFLの伝説バリー・サンダースになぞらえ、「8年間プレーして終わるつもりだった」とポッドキャストで語っていた。しかし8年目にスーパーボウル56を制したことで引退を撤回し、2度目の優勝を目指してさらに2シーズンを戦った後、2024年についにユニフォームを脱いでいた。
かつての圧倒的なパフォーマンスを取り戻せれば、ドナルドはキャリー通算111サックという記録をさらに伸ばすことになる。この数字はすでにラムズのフランチャイズ史上3位に位置している。3度のディフェンシブ・プレイヤー・オブ・ザ・イヤーを誇る彼が、強化されたロスターとともに2度目のスーパーボウル制覇を目指す姿は大きな注目を集めており、NFL史上最も影響力ある現役復帰の一つになり得るとも言われている。
Schlüsselvokabular
- come out of retirementphrase
To return to active professional work after having previously announced one's withdrawal from it.
和訳: 現役復帰する
The legendary quarterback came out of retirement after watching his former team struggle through a dismal season.
- blockbuster tradenoun
An exceptionally significant or high-profile trade deal, often involving star players and drawing widespread attention.
和訳: 大型トレード
The blockbuster trade sent shockwaves through the league and immediately shifted the balance of power in the division.
- reconsideringverb
To think again about a previous decision or opinion, often with the possibility of changing one's mind.
和訳: 再考する
After the new contract offer was presented, she began reconsidering her plan to leave the company.
- imminentadjective
About to happen very soon; forthcoming in the near future.
和訳: 差し迫った、近づいている
Despite rumors circulating for weeks, no announcement of an imminent merger had been officially confirmed.














