Pittsburgh Panthers are one of the most reputed college football programs, which produce legendary football players and coaches throughout history. They have 8th most consensus All-Americans, and fourth most Pro Football Hall of Famers. The legendary program is all set to host the ‘Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame’ this weekend. Ahead of the event, Allen Greene, the Director of Athletics at the University of Pittsburgh, made one of the biggest announcements in the program’s history.

The Panthers on Monday officially announced that Aaron Donald’s jersey No. 97 will be retired by the University. The ceremony will be held on November 15, when the Panthers take on Notre Dame in their home. A video of Greene surprising Donald at his house to convey the news was shared on social media. With this, Donald’s No.97 becomes the 11th Pitt player jersey to get retired, joining the exclusive club of Legendary Panthers, Jimbo Covert’s No. 75, Mike Ditka’s No. 89, Tony Dorsett’s No. 33, Larry Fitzgerald’s No. 1, Bill Fralic’s No. 79, Marshall Goldberg No. 42, Hugh Green’s No. 99, Dan Marino’s No. 13, Mark May’s No. 73, and Joe Schmidt’s No. 65.

Following the major announcement, Aaron’s wife, Erica Donald, responded with a one-word emotional message, “Blessings”. Erica is one of the biggest supporters of Aaron, and they never fail to express it. In the video Pitt Football shared, Aaron and Erica are seen overwhelmed with happiness. Erica (née Erica Sherman) began working for the Rams in 2015 in community affairs / player involvement, and that’s when she met Aaron. They started dating a few years later. The couple quietly got married sometime between 2020-2021. The exact date has not been publicly confirmed.

Aaron Donald was born and brought up in Pittsburgh. He attended Pitt from 2010-13 and dominated the CFB season in his senior year. He recorded 28.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and a blocked extra point. He finished the season as the unanimous first-team All-American and won awards like the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Outland Trophy, and the Rotary Lombardi Award.

Pitt’s Legends React to Aaron Donald Announcement

Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald, who played as a WR at Pitt, recalled the time he played against Donald in the pros. He said that it was a privilege and misfortune facing Aaron “14 times in his first seven years.” He feels proud watching him dominate at defense. Larry said, “Retiring his number is the perfect tribute because there will never be another Aaron Donald, and there will never again be another 97 at Pitt.” Larry Fitzgerald played for Pitt from 2002-03, and his jersey No. 1 was also retired.

Pitt’s former DE, Hugh Green, recalled watching Aaron in college, winning the awards he won, and used to tell himself,  “Now that’s a guy who knows how to play defense like a Pitt Panther should.” He feels that Aaron is highly deserving to join their “group of retired jersey honorees at Pitt.” He also felt proud that another defensive guy was being added to the group. Green played for Pitts from 1977-80, after which his jersey No. 90 was retired.

Donald’s decorative college resume made him a first round NFL Draft pick in 2014, and he was selected by the Rams. He played a total of 10 NFL seasons, winning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards, being named among the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, and winning a Super Bowl (LVI). He retired from Football in 2023, finishing his career with 543 tackles, 111 sacks, and 24 forced fumbles.