‘Ready to see daddy’ – Aaron Donald’s heartwarming admission on kids’ reaction to NFL return
· Yahoo Sports
Los Angeles Rams DE Aaron Donald made his return to the NFL after a three-season retirement against the New York Giants in a 28-6 Week 2 win.
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Donald didn’t suit up for the Rams’ troubling Week 1 clash in Australia against the San Francisco 49ers, saving his return for their home fans at SoFi Stadium.
Donald also had his family in attendance for the clash, as the three-time Defensive Player of the Year turned back the clock and led the Rams’ defense after overturning his retirement.
Aaron Donald reveals what his NFL return means to his family
Donald retired at 32 years old for his family, but he revealed in his post-game interview that his family also influenced his decision to return three years later, as his children were excited to see him play.
“(It means) Everything. They have been excited. They called me this morning at least 20 times, saying, ‘I’m ready to see daddy to play football.’ To see my family here, supporting me, it makes it that much better.”
Donald’s children can watch him turn back the clock and play an integral role on a Super Bowl-contending squad like the Rams.
With Myles Garrett out with an injury, Donald led the Rams’ defense and recorded three tackles (one solo), one tackle for loss, but didn’t manage to record a sack.
He played 32 snaps as the team eased him back into the action, keeping him on the bench for most of the second half after it seemed like the Rams had secured the win.
Photo by Harry How/Getty ImagesAdvanced stats from Next Gen Stats credit Donald with one QB pressure on 18 pass-rush snaps while facing seven double-teams against the Giants.
His one solo tackle was a strong tackle on Giants WR Najee Harris to cause a three-yard loss while the Giants were on third-and-two from the Los Angeles three-yard line.
Donald will presumably increase his workload as the season progresses and play an integral role in games where the defense needs to step up, especially in Garrett’s absence.
Everyone is waiting to see what the defense looks like with both Garrett and Donald on the field, but that ace will stay up the Rams’ sleeve until Garrett is healthy and Donald has shaken off the rust on his body.
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