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Jason Kelce’s 2023 Tribute to ‘Relentless’ Aaron Donald’s On-Field Heckling Goes Viral After Retirement Announcement

Published 03/15/2024, 5:31 PM EDT

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If there was ever a ‘game wrecker’ in the NFL, then Aaron Donald fits the mold. The Los Angeles Rams’ defensive sensation has earned the respect of the entire league with his three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and many other accolades. While Aaron Donald has reigned supreme in defense, Jason Kelce has won the hearts of all NFL fans as the now-retired Center of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Both Jason Kelce and Aaron Donald are considered to be one of the best at their respective positions. As the Rams’ Defensive Tackle retires, here’s looking back at a moment when Jason Kelce captured Aaron Donald’s essence perfectly in words.

Jason Kelce’s honorable mention of Aaron Donald

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As the flag bearers of their positions, it is no surprise that the Eagles’ Center and the Rams’ Defensive Tackle have crossed paths before. Donald and Kelce are proven greats, hence, their clashes have been legendary. Once last year, when asked about blocking Aaron Donald, Jason Kelce described the experience perfectly.

But what makes Aaron Donald so great at what he does? Jason Kelce revealed, “The best defensive linemen out there are guys that have speed and power. If you only have speed, there are things you can do to guard against that. If you’re a finesse player, you can go with a little bit wider hands when you punch and you can bait them into certain areas… Push him where he needs to go.” 

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Jason said, “He’s just relentless. He’s like a bulldog down there, that’s just, is mad and angry.” Unveiling his feelings, Kelce further said, “You’re like, ‘Man, we’re just playing football. Why are you mad at me? I’m just trying to do my job.'”

 

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According to Kelce, “I think A.D. has all of it.” If this is how one of the best offensive players sees Aaron Donald, it is no surprise he is feared by quarterbacks all around the league. And fear, they should. With 542 total tackles, 337 solo tackles, and 111 career sacks, the Rams’ newly retired Defensive Tackle is a force of nature. In addition, as Jason Kelce jokingly revealed, he is also an on-field heckler.

How the 3x DPOY trash talks

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When the interviewer asked Jason Kelce if Aaron Donald talks on the field, the former Eagles’ center did not hesitate to reveal the Rams’ DT’s heckling methods. As per Kelce, it is not unusual for Donald to say things like, “Kelce, stop coming over. What are you helping the guard for?” What’s even more hilarious is how Jason Kelce reacted to Aaron Donald’s words.


Jason said, “I’m like, ‘you think I’m gonna leave you one on one? You’re the best player in the NFL. I’m going to slide to you every time… We’re not just gonna let you ruin the game, Aaron.'”

And Kelce isn’t wrong. Did you know Von Miller counts Donald as one of the top 5 best trash talkers? “If he’s talking, somebody’s in trouble,” he opined once.

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This golden nugget of insider information shared by Jason Kelce is truly the epitome of what Aaron Donald stood for and will always stand for. What do you think?

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Written by:

Apoorva Behl

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Apoorva Behl is a sports writer for EssentiallySports. With a range that would make Bruce Lee proud, Apoorva?s writing embodies the philosophy of "Be Like Water," flowing seamlessly between a diverse range of sports and sensitive angles. Her articles are known to resonate with her audience, earning her a common spot on the Editor?s Pick list.
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Edited by:

Aazima Basharat