The NFL world recently buzzed with excitement when legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald teased a possible return to the gridiron. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year suggested he might consider ending his two-year retirement for a chance to line up alongside Myles Garrett in Los Angeles. However, one of the most iconic figures in Rams history, Eric Dickerson, believes the future Hall of Famer should keep his cleats hanging on the wall.
Dickerson, the Hall of Fame running back who still holds the league’s single-season rushing record, acknowledged the terrifying potential of a Donald-Garrett duo. Despite the allure of seeing two of the greatest pass rushers of all time on the same defensive line, Dickerson’s advice to Donald was simple: stay on the sidelines and savor the transition to post-football life.
Why Dickerson Believes Donald Has Done Enough
During a recent conversation regarding the comeback rumors, Dickerson emphasized that Donald has nothing left to accomplish in the sport. He noted that while fans would love to witness his dominance one more time, the physical and legacy-related risks may outweigh the rewards. Dickerson urged the legendary defender to enjoy the fruits of his labor, noting that his impact on the game is already cemented.
A primary factor in Dickerson’s stance is the current state of the Los Angeles Rams’ roster. He argues that the team is already positioned as a legitimate Super Bowl contender without needing to lure Donald out of retirement. During the current offseason, the Rams made significant moves to bolster their defense, including the acquisition of perennial powerhouse Myles Garrett and the addition of All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs.
Reflecting on the previous season, Dickerson pointed out that the Rams were extremely close to a deep playoff run. He noted that the team was competitive in narrow losses to the Seattle Seahawks, who eventually went on to win the championship. With the new veteran additions, Dickerson feels the foundation is already strong enough to pursue a ring.
Reflecting on a Unparalleled Defensive Legacy
Aaron Donald’s career remains one of the most storied in NFL history. Selected 13th overall in 2014, he spent a decade redefining the defensive tackle position. Over those ten seasons, he accumulated a franchise-record 111 sacks and achieved a level of consistency rarely seen in professional sports. He joined Barry Sanders as one of the only players to earn Pro Bowl honors in every single year of a decade-long career.
In addition to his ten Pro Bowls, Donald earned nine All-Pro selections and is part of an elite trio—alongside Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt—to win the Defensive Player of the Year award three times. Analytics and historical rankings from Pro Football Reference currently place Donald as the top-rated defensive tackle in history, surpassing legendary names like Joe Greene, Bob Lilly, and Alan Page.
The Mixed History of NFL Comebacks
Returning to the NFL after a multi-year hiatus is a gamble that has yielded varied results throughout league history. While some legends, like Reggie White, saw their production dip in their final returns, others have found late-career glory. One of the most notable successes was Hall of Fame runner John Riggins, who returned from a two-year break to lead Washington to a Super Bowl victory.
For Donald, a return would be about more than just stats; it would be a quest for one final championship alongside a revamped defensive front. However, as Dickerson suggests, when a player has already reached the pinnacle of the sport and established themselves as the greatest to ever play their position, there is very little left to prove on the field.
Final Thoughts on the Potential Donald Return
While the prospect of Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett terrorizing quarterbacks together is a dream scenario for Rams fans, the logic behind Eric Dickerson’s warning is sound. Donald’s legacy is flawless, and the current Rams roster appears deep enough to compete at the highest level without him. Whether Donald decides to pursue one last run or heeds the advice of a fellow franchise legend, his place as the premier defensive force of his generation remains undisputed.
