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The Los Angeles Rams were victorious over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl 56, thanks to a strong performance by the offense and a near-record setting effort from star defensive tackle Aaron Donald and the defense. There was speculation leading up to the contest that Donald would potentially retire following the game if the Rams won the Super Bowl. Well, Los Angeles emerged with the Lombardi Trophy and a highly coveted ring for Donald, who proceeded to avoid any questions about his reported plans to retire. While Donald has accomplished just about everything there is to do in the NFL, he shouldn't retire just yet. Here's why.
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3 Reasons Aaron Donald Shouldn't Retire After Super Bowl 56
3. Aaron Donald is big on legacy- and he can separate himself from the pack
Brought up in the speculation of retirement is the fact that Aaron Donald is big on legacy. He wants to be known as the greatest defender to ever suit up in the NFL and the Super Bowl win puts him that much closer to that title. However, people might not consider him the GOAT just yet. Still just 30, the Rams star defensive tackle seemingly has enough years left to not only keep adding to that list of accolades but make such a convincing case that people can't dispute the fact that he's the greatest defender ever anymore. For someone who values legacy, that prospect has to be at least a bit tempting.
2. Aaron Donald is still playing at a high level for the Rams
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Admittedly, this could also be a reason for Donald to step away. He'd be retiring on top with a Super Bowl title. However, the Rams star isn't merely playing well, or good enough to keep playing. He is still the best defensive player in the NFL and maybe the most disruptive ever. Donald completely took over the second half of the Super Bowl and his fingerprints were all over the victory. He has rattled off five straight double-digit sack seasons and has been an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in each of the last seven seasons. Yes, Donald could retire. But he could be leaving several more All-Pro seasons on the table if he does so.
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1. Aaron Donald has one Super Bowl ring but the Rams could get another
The Rams do have several key free agents this offseason. However, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown, it is possible to retain most- or all- free agents after a Super Bowl win. Donald finally got a ring but the desire to be great that burns within him might push him to try for a repeat. It's hard to win one Super Bowl, let alone two, in the NFL, but the Rams might have as good a shot as any team in the NFL to do it again. No team wants to go up against Donald and that monstrous pass rush regardless of their quarterback or offensive line play. It's a championship formula that could lead to another ring. Only if Aaron Donald wants to keep playing, though.
