All-Pro pass rusher believes Aaron Donald can be his old self again

Aaron Donald’s return to the Los Angeles Rams has been the NFL’s most talked-about storyline this offseason, and it turns out even rival stars are buying in.

During a full-season predictions episode of his podcast, Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons named Donald his “dark horse” pick for Comeback Player of the Year — even calling out the widespread doubt surrounding the 35-year-old’s decision to unretire.

“I think Donald could be the dark horse,” Parsons said. “Two years out, no one believes that he’s going to be the original Aaron Donald, but I do.”

Donald announced his retirement in March 2024 at age 32, walking away after a decade in which he racked up 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss and 260 QB hits — numbers that helped earn him three Defensive Player of the Year awards, 10 Pro Bowl nods and eight All-Pro selections, as well as a Super Bowl LVI ring.

Donald’s comeback gained momentum once the Rams traded for reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. And after nearly three months of training, he officially ended his retirement on August 30, signing a one-year deal worth at least $20 million, with incentives pushing it as high as $30 million. For what it’s worth, Parsons also picked Garrett to once again take home the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award, which would tie him with Donald with three DPOYs each.

Donald has said he feels “100 percent” capable of playing like himself again, and with Garrett now lined up alongside him, the Rams‘ front could be one of the most fearsome pairings in the league.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: All-Pro pass rusher believes Aaron Donald can be his old self again