The NFL world burst into tears when they were first hit with the retirement news of Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. The next blow came when the Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald, too, decided to follow Kelce’s footsteps.
There are a few defensive players who have shone as brightly as Donald. It’s impossible not to be awestruck by the sheer brilliance and dominance he displayed on the football field. The recently-retired star has also been a formidable threat for elite quarterbacks like Tom Brady. However, Donald recently voiced his former hate aimed at TB12.
Aaron Donald reveals reason behind hatred towards Tom Brady
Aaron Donald has shed light on his complex sentiments towards Tom Brady in the wake of the Rams’ Super Bowl loss during the 2018 season. He disclosed an unexpected exchange of words with Brady, who appeared to uplift his mood. Donald shared Brady’s words of admiration and encouragement, acknowledging Donald’s prowess on the field.
“He gets to see me after the game. He was just saying how [much of] a hell of a football player you are, just respect type of thing, and just saying you’ll get you one, just keep working kind of thing you you’ll be another one “ Donald revealed.
However, rather than finding solace or motivation in Brady’s words, Donald found himself grappling with conflicting emotions. He was already a two-time recipient of the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award at that time, with his sights set firmly on clinching a Super Bowl victory. Brady’s encouragement only served to exacerbate Donald’s frustration and resentment towards the quarterback.
The veteran confessed to holding onto his disdain for Brady for nearly two years following the Super Bowl loss. The defeat, compounded by Brady’s words of encouragement, left a lingering bitterness that Donald struggled to shake off.
The 2018 season marked a significant moment for both teams involved. While the Patriots secured their 11th Super Bowl appearance, the Rams made their fourth appearance on the grandest stage in the league. The campaign was marred by defensive dominance, resulting in the lowest-scoring game in NFL history. For Donald, the memory of that Super Bowl loss remains tinged with regret and resentment.
Looking back at Aaron Donald’s glittering NFL career
Aaron Donald showcased his prowess on the field consistently. His ability to disrupt plays was not limited to sack numbers, although those were impressive too, with at least eight sacks in 8 of his 10 seasons. He was a force to be reckoned with, tallying 543 tackles, 176 tackles for loss, and an astounding 260 quarterback hits in 154 games.
His accolades speak volumes: 10 Pro Bowls, eight All-Pros, Rookie of the Year, two NFC Championships, and three NFC West championships. His impact extended far beyond individual honors, as he was instrumental in leading the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one and narrowly missing out on another.
What sets Donald apart is his unparalleled ability to pressure quarterbacks, evident in his record as the only player in the Next Gen Stats era to exceed 500 QB pressures. As the Rams’ all-time sack leader with 111 sacks, his dominance on the field was undeniable. He will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2029, and there is little doubt that he will be a first-ballot selection.
