Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald carries a clear memory of a Rex Ryan comment
Aaron Donald possesses terrific football skills that make him one of the NFL’s most productive players.
The Rams defensive tackle also has a sharp memory.
Two years ago, then New York Jets Coach Rex Ryan commented about Donald after he was selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie and Jets tackle Sheldon Richardson was not.
“That guy can’t hold his jock as a player,” Ryan said at the time.
Donald, preparing to play Ryan’s Buffalo Bills on Sunday, remembers it well.
“I remember it when I heard about it,” Donald said Wednesday. “I didn’t forget about what he said.”
Ryan had scrambled a bit earlier Wednesday during a conference call with reporters.
“I’ve made a lot of dumb comments in my days,” he said. “That’s probably right up there at the top.”
Ryan said he had not seen Donald play as a rookie and that he was repeating the comment of one of his coaches.
“After I’ve seen this kid play, I’m like ‘Whoa boy!’ Ryan said, adding, “He’s a great player.”
Apprised that Ryan characterized his comments as dumb, Donald seemed unmoved.
“Still said it,” Donald said.
Follow Gary Klein on Twitter @LATimesklein
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