Eric Dickerson framed his advice as pure admiration—he'd LOVE to see Donald in that No. 99 jersey again, but the Hall of Famer is simply being realistic about what makes sense for Aaron's legacy and personal life at this stage.
Insiders say Donald has been going back and forth on this decision privately, and while he texted Pat McAfee hinting he was into the idea, sources close to the situation suggest his wife is firmly in the 'absolutely not' camp—and she tends to win those arguments.
Donald won a Super Bowl with the Rams (2022), earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and collected eight First-Team All-Pro selections across his 10-year career. He retired after the 2023 season at age 32. The Myles Garrett trade to LA happened earlier in June 2026.
Dickerson's got a point—even legends know when to walk away. But you just know Donald's inner circle is buzzing about whether that Super Bowl window with Garrett is too tempting to pass up.
Eric Dickerson isn't mincing words, and honestly? We respect the energy. The Rams franchise legend was spotted at LAX on June 15, 2026, when TMZ Sports caught up with him about one of the hottest rumors buzzing through NFL circles right now: whether Aaron Donald might come out of retirement to join the newly acquired Myles Garrett on Los Angeles' defensive line.
The Browns just shipped Garrett to the Rams earlier this month in a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the league, and suddenly fans are dreaming big about what an A.D. and Garrett tandem could do to opposing quarterbacks. But Dickerson? He's telling Donald to keep his butt on the couch on Sundays.
"Stay on the couch," E.D. said bluntly when asked about the comeback rumors. While he admitted he'd absolutely love to see the 35-year-old Donald don that iconic No. 99 jersey one more time, the Hall of Famer was quick to add that it's ultimately in Donald's best interest to stay retired. And honestly, you can't argue with his reasoning.
Dickerson pointed out that Donald has literally nothing left to prove after a career that's basically a highlight reel unto itself. We're talking Super Bowl champion, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, eight First-Team All-Pro selections—the man checking every single box a defensive player could dream of checking. That's one helluva career, even if he did technically leave some gas in the tank when he walked away.
Here's where it gets interesting though: Donald himself hasn't exactly closed the door on a return. Sources say he actually texted Pat McAfee and made it sound like he was genuinely considering lacing up the cleats again for another championship run with his old team. But—and this is the crucial part—apparently his wife might have something to say about that decision.
And if there's one thing we've learned about NFL wives, it's that they tend to have very strong opinions about their husbands' health and family priorities over career glory. The question now is whether Donald will listen to the Rams legend or give in to the temptation of chasing more rings alongside Garrett. Dickerson's advice is clear: enjoy retirement, you've earned it. But we all know how hard it can be for a competitor like A.D. to watch from the sidelines when there's unfinished business potentially on the table.
