When Aaron Donald hung up the cleats, the Los Angeles Rams fans barely had time to wipe away a tear before the real questions started flying. Was he headed for a cushy coaching gig? A golf cart in Malibu with shades and zero stress? Or maybe just vanish into NFL folklore like some gladiator-turned-ghost? Yeah… not our guy. Donald doesn’t fade into anything. The man redefined defense—he’s not about to retire into invisibility, as his recent approach tells so.

The guy who used to make quarterbacks panic, Aaron Donald, was never going to fade quietly into retirement. In a recent interview, Donald gave fans a peek into post-football life—and spoiler alert: the man’s still in beast mode, just in a different arena. Let’s just say the spotlight he’s chasing now doesn’t come with cleats or turf… but it might come with cameras and cue cards. Yes! The Cinema is calling…..

Retirement might’ve closed the book on sacks and snap counts for Donald, but don’t think for a second the spotlight’s dimmed. If anything, it’s heating up. When asked recently if he’s enjoying life after football, he gave the most classic AD response—low-key, real, and quietly intriguing: “I’m enjoying retirement from football, but still busy. Obviously, got a lot of things going on so. You might not see me in the booth, but you might see me on the big screen, acting,” he said.

Aaron Donald? Hollywood Actor? It’s fun to think about. We’ve seen the guy tear apart offenses; seeing him on the movie screen would be weird, yet interesting. It’s like the guy would fit right in, don’t you think?

While Donald didn’t confirm any specific roles or projects, the fact that he mentioned the big screen has us on our toes—and for good reason. He’s got the charisma, the presence, and let’s face it, if Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson can make it in Hollywood, Aaron Donald kicking down doors in a buddy cop movie doesn’t sound too far-fetched. Imagine the pitch: “Ex-defensive lineman turned detective… solving crimes and flattening bad guys.” Gold!

However, just because Aaron Donald might be eyeing Hollywood doesn’t mean he’s clocked out of football talk. When asked who he’s passing the torch to among the new wave of dominant D-linemen, Donald didn’t hesitate—classic AD style. “There are a lot of great guys,” he said. “But I ain’t passing the torch to nobody—they’re making their own legacy.” Translation: the crown was never handed off. You’ve gotta earn it. Still, even from the comfort of retirement, he’s clearly keeping an eye on the trenches. “We got Chris Jones, young Kobie Turner, young Fiske is up and coming… There’s a lot of good talent, man,” he said. You can almost picture him nodding in approval, remote in one hand, game tape in the other.

And when Aaron Donald says someone is “the next him,” you listen. That’s not just some throwaway compliment—that’s elite recognising elite. Asked about Dexter Lawrence stepping into that spotlight, Donald didn’t flinch: “He’s him. He’s the next him. He’s special.” And if you know anything about Donald, you know he doesn’t toss around the word special unless it’s earned. So what makes Dexter Lawrence that guy? Well, the man is 340 pounds and moves like he’s been secretly training with wide receivers. In 2024, he racked up 9.0 sacks, blew through double teams like they were nothing, and consistently lived in opposing backfields. His pressure rate wasn’t just good for a nose tackle—it was elite for anyone. And Donald saw that.

Actually, he sees someone who isn’t just big, but technically refined, fast off the snap, and relentless. That’s Donald DNA. That’s why he didn’t just say, “Yeah, he’s good.” He said, “He’s the next him.” And when it comes from AD, you know it’s true. But amid all these, let’s not forget what Donald predicted this week.

Aaron Donald has high hopes for the Rams in 2025

Just because Aaron Donald hung up the cleats doesn’t mean he’s stopped bleeding Rams blue and gold. If anything, he’s already transitioned into full-on Super Fan Mode for the 2025 season—and he’s got the bold predictions to prove it. In a recent interview with On3, Donald didn’t hesitate when asked about what’s next for his former squad. “A better year,” he said confidently, like someone who still watches every snap with a game plan in mind. “Obviously, the offence is going to be stand-packed. Still got a lot of veteran guys, a lot of good players.” The Rams aren’t rebuilding—they’re reloading. And Donald’s all-in on it. He’s in for a fun ride this season.

After watching the 2024 Rams defy expectations, Donald’s feeling pretty good about what’s coming next. Last year, the bar wasn’t sky-high, and yet, L.A. still went out and impressed. Kobie Turner looked like a mini-AD in the making—8 sacks as a rookie? Wow! Now, with nearly all of that young defensive core returning for 2025? Donald believes that added chemistry could be the missing link. “They got that experience with each other,” he said. “The more you play with the team, the more comfortable you feel. You understand how to play off guys… do things like that,” he said. And he’s not wrong—not even a little. The Rams went 10-7 in 2024, slipped into the playoffs, and gave contenders serious headaches down the stretch. That chemistry Donald was talking about? Yeah, it showed.

Up front, Kobie Turner, Byron Young, and rookie Braden Fiske are already earning the nickname “Mini Mob Squad 2.0” from Rams fans—and it fits. They’re fast, fearless, and downright fun to watch. And let’s not forget the offense. Matthew Stafford? Still slinging it like a vet—3,762 yards and 2o touchdowns. On the other hand, Kyren Williams? The man ran like he had a point to prove, racking up 1,299 yards and 14 scores while dragging defenders like it was personal.

Donald might be on the couch now, but he’s clearly bought in—and fans should be too. When someone like AD says “sky’s the limit,” he’s not just hyping a team. He’s passing the baton with confidence. And hey, if he ever decides to take a break from movie sets, don’t be surprised if he strolls into camp like a sensei.