This past weekend, Los Angeles Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald became the center of attention after a video of him training with knives went viral on social media. It had many media outlets buzzing about him working aggressively in deflecting knives that were thrusted his way to help improve his speed and agility.

There have been many reactions around the league because of his decision to go to this out-of-the-box method to help improve his reaction time and speed. However, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN noted one major detail from the video is that he is working with rubber knives that can't puncture the skin.

One very important note: The knives are not real. They're meant for training and are made of a hard rubber that won't penetrate the skin. The man wielding those knives, with thick pads on his arms to sustain the blows from Donald's lightning-quick hands, is Al Carson, better known as “Poodie.”

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (88) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Dallas Goedert reveals why he returned to the Eagles at Tight End UniversityMatty Breisch ·
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrates with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after catching a 1-yard touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium.
Cardinals’ Trey McBride wants a Patrick Mahomes-Travis Kelce connection in ArizonaAlex House ·
49ers news: George Kittle makes bold claim about tight end value in 2025
49ers’ George Kittle makes bold claim about tight end value in 2025Chris Spiering ·
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) works out at One Buc Place.
Baker Mayfield’s Emeka Egbuka endorsement will fire up Buccaneers fansBenjamin Adducchio ·
Steelers re-sign DB who recorded 108 tackles in 2025 to 3-year contract
Steelers re-sign DB who recorded 108 tackles in 2025 to 3-year contractChris Spiering ·
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll attends the NFL Annual League Meeting at The Breakers.
Raiders’ 73-year-old Pete Carroll is embracing AIDouglas Fritz ·

Despite the knives only being made of rubber, it is still a unique method for offseason training by any means. Many of the actions and responses that Donald has to physically make share similarities the hand and footwork used when avoiding offensive linemen. It forces him to avert the contact with speed and create more muscle memory to this type of sequence of movement.

Whatever the case may be, it just goes to show the type of work ethic and commitment that Donald has toward getting better on the field. He has already established himself as arguably the best defensive player in the league, but he is continuing to put in the work to improve his craft.

His performance on the field should eventually earn him a lucrative contract extension at some point this offseason from the Rams that could make him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. In the meantime, it looks like Donald is more than committed to improving any way he can ahead of next season.