Aaron Donald’s unexpected retirement announcement took aback the Los Angeles Rams fanbase, leaving a significant void both on the field and in team dynamics. Yet, it seems Coach Sean McVay and the Rams’ executives were not surprised, having anticipated the possibility of 2023 being Donald’s swan song.

But of course, that didn’t dull the pain of losing Donald for McVay. In the latest episode of Green Light with Chris Long, the DT spoke about Sean McVay at length. Sean McVay was at one point the youngest coach in all of NFL’s history. He revealed that to have such a young coach made him doubt McVay’s capabilities. But Aaron Donald’s doubts were rubbished just as fast.

Aaron Donald sings Sean McVay’s praises

Aaron Donald shed light on what made Sean McVay a standout coach in the NFL. “It’s what plays… that he was able to remember every little moment of that play and explain it in great detail. So, as far as the knowledge of the game man, he’s a genius when it comes to that.” Donald commended McVay’s intricate understanding of the game’s dynamics and his unique ability to recall and dissect plays in detail.

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Beyond the gridiron, McVay’s genuine concern for his players’ well-being off the field also deeply resonated with Donald. “And to have a coach that cares more about what’s going on outside of football than on football for me, you know that means a lot and that’s why our relationship is how it is. I really love Sean, obviously a great coach, but he’s a great person too, bro.” This rare combination of professional expertise and personal empathy, according to Donald, fostered a motivational environment and cemented McVay’s status as a lovable figure among his team.

And that may have given Aaron Donald the confidence to confide in McVay that he was going to retire after the 2023 season.

McVay knew that Donald would be retiring

“Aaron and I have such a special relationship,” McVay told NFL Network. “You know being around somebody as long as I’ve been around. When they are savoring moments, they are taking it in and without having to say, there was kind of unspoken understanding that I had that this was probably going to be his last year .”

The knowledge that it was his last campaign did not change Aaron Donald’s tireless efforts. He concluded 2021 with 53 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. Donald also maintained a prominent role in the Los Angeles locker room, which featured one of league football’s most inexperienced rosters, particularly on defense. “What a great job he did leading, influencing and affecting throughout the course of his career, but it was really on display this year,” McVay added. “With how young we were, especially on the defensive side of the ball.”

Now as an era ends in LA, McVay is sure they’ll be able to find a solution. “We’ve known for a while and you never replace an Aaron Donald,” McVay concluded. “Fortunately, we had a little bit of time to get our ducks in a row but man, there’s truly one of one when you talk about him.” The curtains may have closed on Donald, but the team lives on.

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