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Aaron Donald explains why he decided to retire from Rams

The Rams' Aaron Donald tackles celebrates his tackle.
Rams superstar Aaron Donald said he retired because the football thrill was gone.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Aaron Donald was satisfied with what he achieved during his 10-year Rams career, but he was burned out and ready to move on.

That’s what Donald, who announced his retirement last week, said in a 55-second video clip that was posted to his social media account Thursday.

The three-time NFL defensive player of the year and future Hall of Famer listed his numerous accomplishments before saying why he decided to retire.

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“I’m complete, I’m full,” he said. “I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me.

“I will always love football, but to think about going through another camp and another 17 [game] season, I just don’t got the urge to want to push myself to do that no more. I’m just, I’m burnt out, you know. If anything the best way to say it is I’m full. I’m complete.

Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald is retiring, but he didn’t let his dedication to dominating on the football field overshadow his humor and humanity.

March 17, 2024

“I’m satisfied with what I was able to do in 10 years, and I think it’s time for me, at 32 years old, to retire from football and, you know, jump into the next step of my career, my life. And it’s time to move on.”

Attempting to fill the void left by Donald’s retirement, the Rams re-signed free agent defensive lineman Larrell Murchison, the team announced Friday.

Murchison, 26, was claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans in 2022. Last season, he played in 15 games and made 16 tackles.

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