Aaron Donald’s wife asks if he’s coming out of retirement. Rams legend caught sleeping on couch

Whether it was simply a joke about her husband sleeping on the first Sunday of the NFL season or a forceful end to speculation that he might return to the field, Erica Donald’s social media video is worth a watch.

Aaron Donald is of course considered the greatest defensive tackle in NFL history. In 10 seasons with the Rams, he helped them win a Super Bowl, was named an All-Pro nine times, and was named Defensive Player of the Year three times.

Donald retired after the 2023 season on his own terms, his health intact and, according to Spotrac, having earned $171 million over the course of his career. He can count on being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2028, the first year he will be eligible.

Unless he comes back onto the playing field.

Learn more:Plaschke: What will Aaron Donald do? Rams chase championship without him… for now

The Times’ Bill Plaschke raised this possibility in a recent column, writing:

Donald retired in March after 10 seasons, but he’s only 33, still has the frame of a Greek god, and is still capable of making an impact. In his final season, he had eight sacks and 53 tackles and was named a first-team All-Pro. Does that sound like someone who’s ready to retire for good?

What if, say, it’s December and Donald is bored but still in great shape because he always stays in great shape and the Rams are hot and both sides see the possibility of one last hurrah?

Will the greatest defensive lineman in history come out of retirement to help his team reach its third Super Bowl in seven years?

The column then quoted Rams general manager Les Snead as saying in one breath, “If I was really putting my 401(k) in Vegas on Aaron Donald coming back, I’d bet against it,” while in another breath he said, “He’s still keeping himself in shape, he’s still got some good stuff in him.”

Learn more:Aaron Donald used his strength, wit and humor to create a personality bigger than football

Erica Donald, Aaron’s wife of four years and mother of two, did her best to put the speculation to rest in a 16-second video released Sunday. In the video, she is seen sitting next to Aaron, who appears to be sleeping, while a television in the background plays football, and both are wearing Rams jerseys.

Looking at her phone camera but talking to her husband, she says, “Aaron, people are always asking if you’re coming back,” and she bursts out laughing because he doesn’t move. She continues, “All right, guys, I hope that answers your question, because it doesn’t.”

Donald posted a video of himself retiring in March, appearing to be at peace with his decision.

“I think I don’t have the passion to play football anymore,” he said. “I’ll always love football, but thinking about another camp and another 17-game season, I don’t want to force myself to do that anymore. I’m just exhausted, you know. If I have to say something, the best way to say it is I’m full. I’m complete.”

Learn more:Rams lose Puka Nacua, several offensive linemen, then to Lions in overtime

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This article was originally published in the Los Angeles Times.