Aaron Charles Donald is a prominent figure in the National Football League (NFL), known for his exceptional skills as a defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams.
Born on May 23, 1991, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Donald has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and Outland Trophy in 2013. He was also named a unanimous all-American that same year.
You can follow Aaron Donald’s net worth, prize money, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Aaron Donald’s Biography
| Full Name | Aaron Charles Donald |
| Nickname | – |
| Birth Date | May 23, 1991 |
| NFL Draft | 2014, Round 1, Pick 13 |
| Position | Defensive Tackle |
| Current Team | Los Angeles Rams |
| Debut Year | 2014 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 280 lbs |
| Birthplace | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Nationality | American |
| College | University of Pittsburgh |
| Current Net Worth | $60 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Erica Sherman |
| Instagram Profile | @aarondonald99 |
Early Career
Aaron Donald, born on May 23, 1991, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, grew up in the working-class Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood. His father, Archie Donald, recognized Aaron’s potential early and introduced him to rigorous strength training at the age of 12. Together, they would wake up at 4:30 AM to work out in a basement gym, instilling discipline and a strong work ethic in Aaron.
This foundation helped him excel at Penn Hills High School, where he played as a defensive tackle and offensive guard. Despite his impressive high school stats—63 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks as a senior—Donald was rated only as a three-star recruit due to concerns about his size. Nevertheless, he committed to the University of Pittsburgh to stay close to home.
At Pitt, Donald steadily rose from a reserve defensive end as a freshman to one of the most dominant defensive players in college football by his senior year. His breakout began in his sophomore season when he recorded 47 tackles and 11 sacks.
By his senior year in 2013, Donald had amassed an incredible 59 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. His performance earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Outland Trophy, and Lombardi Award. He was also named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and became a unanimous All-American. These accolades solidified his status as one of the top NFL prospects.
Donald entered the NFL as the 13th overall pick in the 2014 draft by the St. Louis Rams. He made an immediate impact during his rookie season, recording nine sacks and earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
He was also selected for the Pro Bowl and named to the NFL All-Rookie Team. Over the next few seasons, Donald continued to dominate as a defensive tackle with exceptional strength and agility, becoming one of the league’s premier players.
Professional Career
Aaron Donald’s professional career in the NFL, spanning from 2014 to 2023, was marked by unparalleled dominance and consistency. Drafted 13th overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2014, Donald made an immediate impact, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award with 47 tackles and nine sacks. Despite not starting until Week 6, he was named to the Pro Bowl and NFL All-Rookie Team.
In his sophomore season, Donald became a full-time starter, recording 69 tackles and 11 sacks, which earned him his first All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl nod. His reputation as a disruptive force on the defensive line quickly grew.
Donald’s career reached new heights in 2017 when he won his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year award after recording 11 sacks and five forced fumbles. This marked the beginning of a historic run, as he would go on to win this prestigious honor three times (2017, 2018, and 2020).
In 2018, Donald signed a six-year, $135 million contract extension with $87 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in history. That same year, he set a single-season record for defensive tackles with 20.5 sacks and led the Rams to Super Bowl LIII, though they lost to the New England Patriots.
Donald’s crowning achievement came during the 2021 season when he played a pivotal role in leading the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals. His game-clinching pressure on Joe Burrow in the final moments secured the Rams’ 23–20 win and earned Donald his long-awaited championship ring.
Throughout his career, Donald was selected to the Pro Bowl in every season he played (10 times) and earned First-Team All-Pro honors eight times. He also became the Rams’ all-time leader in sacks with 111.
After an illustrious career spent entirely with the Rams franchise (both in St. Louis and Los Angeles), Donald announced his retirement in March 2024 at age 32. Known for his unmatched strength, agility, and technique, he redefined the role of defensive tackles in modern football and is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players of all time.
Wife
Aaron Donald is married to Erica Donald, who is not only his wife but also his marketing manager and business partner. Erica, a Louisiana State University graduate with a degree in Mass Communication and a minor in Business Administration, has an extensive background in sports and media relations.
She previously worked with the Los Angeles Rams as their Community Affairs and Player Involvement manager, which is likely how the couple first met. The two began dating around 2019, got engaged in 2020, and tied the knot between 2020 and 2021. They share a son born in 2021, and Aaron also has two children from a previous relationship.
Erica plays a significant role in Aaron’s life beyond their personal relationship. She manages his brand and oversees initiatives such as the AD99 Solutions Foundation, which focuses on creating opportunities for underserved communities.
Her professional expertise has also extended to roles like Vice President of Athlete Partnerships at game1, a content studio blending sports and entertainment. Together, Aaron and Erica maintain a relatively private life, but their partnership reflects a strong bond both personally and professionally.
Aaron Donald’s Net Worth Details
Aaron Donald’s net worth is estimated to be $60 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his salary as a professional footballer, endorsements, and other sources.
Contract and Salary
Aaron Donald’s contracts and salaries throughout his NFL career reflect his status as one of the league’s most dominant and valuable players. After being drafted by the Rams in 2014, he signed a four-year rookie contract worth $10.13 million, with $5.69 million guaranteed. In 2018, Donald signed a six-year, $135 million extension, including $87 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive player at the time.
In 2022, Donald restructured his contract to a three-year, $95 million deal, which included a $25 million signing bonus and $46.5 million guaranteed. This made him the first non-quarterback to earn over $30 million annually, with an average salary of $31.6 million per year. His cap hits were significant, reaching $26 million in 2023 and $34.6 million in 2024.
By the end of his career in 2024, Donald had earned over $157 million in total career earnings, cementing his legacy as one of the highest-paid and most impactful defensive players in NFL history.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Contract Details | Earnings (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | St. Louis Rams | 4-year, $10.13M rookie contract | $2.5M (including bonus) |
| 2015 | St. Louis Rams | Rookie contract | $1.8M |
| 2016 | Los Angeles Rams | Rookie contract | $2.1M |
| 2017 | Los Angeles Rams | Rookie contract | $3.2M |
| 2018 | Los Angeles Rams | 6-year, $135M extension signed | $40.9M |
| 2019 | Los Angeles Rams | Extension | $17.1M |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Rams | Extension | $25M |
| 2021 | Los Angeles Rams | Extension | $19.9M |
| 2022 | Los Angeles Rams | Restructured: 3-year, $95M deal | $31.6M |
| 2023 | Los Angeles Rams | Restructured contract | $26M |
| 2024 | Los Angeles Rams | Final year before retirement | $34.6M |
- Total Career Earnings: $204.7 million (approx.)
Endorsements
Aaron Donald has established himself as one of the most marketable players in the NFL, securing endorsement deals with numerous high-profile brands. Over the years, he has partnered with companies such as Nike, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Panini, Tide, Hulu, Applebee’s, EA Sports, Snickers, Airbnb, Hyundai, Pepsi, Pizza Hut, GoPuff, Tostitos, and Dr Teal’s.
These collaborations have featured Donald in ad campaigns for products ranging from sportswear and snacks to automotive and personal care items. Notably, he participated in campaigns like Snickers’ “Fix the World” and Pizza Hut’s “Big Dinner Box” promotions.
Donald is reported to earn approximately $500,000 annually from his endorsements. His partnerships often leverage his reputation as a dominant athlete and his relatable personality off the field. Beyond endorsements, Donald has also ventured into investments and philanthropy, further diversifying his public profile.
For instance, he inked a deal with Kanye West’s Donda Sports and actively promotes his AD99 Solutions Foundation to support underserved youth. Through these endorsements and initiatives, Donald has built a strong brand presence that extends well beyond football.
Career Stats
| Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played (GP) | 154 |
| Total Tackles | 543 |
| Solo Tackles | 340 |
| Assisted Tackles | 203 |
| Sacks | 111.0 |
| Tackles for Loss (TFL) | 176 |
| Pass Deflections (PD) | 21 |
| Forced Fumbles (FF) | 24 |
| Fumble Recoveries (FR) | 7 |
| Interceptions (INT) | 0 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 0 |
FAQs
1. What are Aaron Donald’s most notable NFL career achievements?
Over his ten-season career with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, he won Super Bowl LVI, earned three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, secured ten Pro Bowl selections, received eight first-team All-Pro honors, and set the single-season sack record for a defensive tackle.
2. What awards did he win during his college career at the University of Pittsburgh?
During his senior season at Pitt, he claimed the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Bill Willis Award after accumulating 59 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks, establishing himself as a top NFL prospect.
3. Which record did Aaron Donald set at the NFL Scouting Combine?
At the NFL Combine, he ran the fastest recorded 40-yard dash by a defensive tackle with a time of 4.68 seconds, surpassing the previous mark of 4.69 seconds, demonstrating uncommon speed and explosiveness for an interior lineman.
4. How many times was he selected for the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro?
He was chosen for the Pro Bowl in each of his ten NFL seasons and earned eight first-team All-Pro honors, reflecting consistent dominance inside the trenches and recognition from coaches, media, and peers as one of the league’s premier defenders.
5. When did Aaron Donald retire and what legacy did he leave the NFL?
He announced his retirement after the 2023 season, concluding ten seasons exclusively with the Rams, and left a legacy defined by three Defensive Player of the Year awards, a Super Bowl championship role, and a transformative impact on the defensive tackle position.
