Aaron Donald's wife, Erica Donald, has humorously claimed responsibility for the NFL star's return to the Los Angeles Rams after a two-year retirement. Her statement came shortly after the Rams officially announced Donald's comeback on a one-year contract.
"I let him out the house y’all 🤣💙🫶🏾," Erica wrote on X, formerly Twitter. This remark followed a period where she appeared amused by speculation about her husband's potential return.
When Donald initially stepped away from the Rams in March 2024, Erica celebrated his decision and the subsequent family time on Instagram. She posted a video of Donald asleep on the couch during the 2024 NFL season opener, laughing and indicating he was not planning to return to the sport.
Erica Donald’s social media posts throughout her husband’s retirement offered glimpses of his seemingly content life away from football. In June, as rumors of a comeback circulated following the Rams' acquisition of Myles Garrett, she responded to the growing buzz by calling the speculation "hilarious."
Amid reports in July that Donald was seriously considering a return, she posted "I’m learning so much 🤣🤣🤣," seemingly poking fun at external claims about his plans. After Donald participated in a workout with the Rams in August, she shared a meme mocking the frequent predictions of his imminent return.
However, this time the predictions proved accurate. Donald, 35, has signed a one-year deal worth $20 million, with potential to reach $30 million through playoff incentives. His return adds him to a Rams defensive front alongside Garrett, with the team appearing poised for a Super Bowl run.
Donald previously stated he felt "full" and "complete" after 10 seasons, which included 111 sacks, eight first-team All-Pro selections, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a Super Bowl championship, before his retirement.