After two seasons away from football, Aaron Donald, 35, has been pleasantly surprised by how his body has responded since rejoining the Los Angeles Rams last month. Speaking on Monday, Donald said he feels like he "never left" and described his return as "better than what I thought it would be, honestly. Things are clicking a little faster. I'm feeling good, knocking the rust off."

Donald initially retired in March 2024 but came out of retirement on August 30. He participated in individual drills that day but waited until September 6 to engage in 11-on-11 team action. "A couple plays I was a little rusty," Donald admitted. "It isn't where I want to be, but it's pretty damn good, if you ask me. To not play football in two years, to be moving how I'm moving, like I said, it's really no drop off."

When asked about playing in the Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, Donald replied, "I'm feeling really good... I'm feeling great." However, he emphasized the need to be cautious, noting, "I'm 35, I didn't play football in two years so you have to be smart."

Donald's goal remains reaching "that top tier" he aspires to. "I never do anything to be average," he said. "I want to be good. Everything I do I try to be great." Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula acknowledged the challenge of integrating Donald into the defensive scheme, stating, "It's a challenge I'll take anytime... we expect him to hit the ground running."