Aaron Donald’s legacy with the Los Angeles Rams is undeniable, and now, NFL insider Adam Rank is calling for the franchise to make a major move to honor him.
“The three-time Defensive Player of the Year was one of the biggest reasons why the Rams won a Super Bowl after they returned home to Los Angeles,” Rank wrote on NFL.com. “Aaron was one of the best players at his position, perhaps of all time, throughout his 10-year career, rampaging his way to 111 sacks, 9.5 more than anyone else in the NFL between 2014 and 2023.”
Donald’s dominance on the defensive line made him one of the most feared players in the league, and his impact on the Rams’ success is impossible to ignore. But Rank believes it’s time for the organization to take the next step in honoring him, potentially with a statue at SoFi Stadium.
“One question this brings up for me, though: Where does Donald fit in the line of other Rams who also deserve a statue?” Rank continued. “Like NFL and Rams icon Deacon Jones? And what about Kenny Washington and Woody Strode, members of the ‘Forgotten Four’ who broke the NFL’s color barrier in 1946?”
Donald’s place in Rams history is secure, but Rank’s comments raise an interesting debate. While Jones, Washington, and Strode all played pivotal roles in shaping the franchise, Donald’s contributions in the modern era have been unmatched. His ability to single-handedly disrupt offenses and lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2022 solidifies his case for a permanent tribute.
The Rams have already planned to celebrate Donald’s legacy during Week 12 of the upcoming season, but whether that includes a statue remains to be seen. If the franchise decides to move forward with the idea, Donald would join the ranks of NFL legends immortalized outside their team’s stadiums.
