Aaron Donald’s Jersey Retirement Uncovers Unexpected Emotional Revelation

When a titan like Aaron Donald strolls back onto the turf of his alma mater, it’s not just another Saturday, right? Saturday’s visit to Pittsburgh wasn’t your average throwback moment for the former LA Rams defensive juggernaut — it was a heartfelt homecoming, a celebration of a legend immortalized. Picture this: No. 97, the very jersey that once echoed his unstoppable presence on the gridiron, now officially retired and raised high for all to see. There’s something powerful about witnessing greatness honored where it all began. Donald didn’t just watch the game against Notre Dame; he embraced his family, lifted that framed symbol of his legacy to the roaring crowd, and reminded us why some numbers transcend the game itself. Ten seasons of sheer dominance—with over a hundred sacks, multiple Defensive Player of the Year trophies, and a Super Bowl ring—don’t just vanish into history. They forge an everlasting bond between a player and his school, his city, and the sport. As Aaron Donald revels in retirement life—balancing family, business, and community—this jersey retirement caps a story that’s as much about heart as it is hustle. So, why does a jersey retirement feel like more than just a ceremony? Maybe because it’s the final bow on a career that forever changed Pittsburgh football lore. LEARN MORE.

On Saturday, former LA Rams DT Aaron Donald made his return to his alma mater at Pittsburgh. Not just to take in the game against Notre Dame, but to soak in seeing his No.97 jersey retired, per ACC Network.

While there, he seemed to embrace his family as a framed jersey was given to him, and he hoisted it to the crowd.

Pittsburgh officially retires Aaron Donald’s No. 97 jersey

(via @accnetwork)pic.twitter.com/pBtU1819ag

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 15, 2025

Over the course of 10 seasons, Donald left quite an impression on the NFL. Overall, he accumulated an average of 111.0 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries. Additionally, Donald was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Also, he played a key role in the Rams’ winning Super Bowl LVI over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Along the way, Donald achieved some other notable feats. He was a nine-time Pro-Bowler and received seven First-Team selections. In 2024, Donald decided to retire from football.

Currently, Donald is enjoying the fullest extent of his retirement. He is spending time with his family, pursuing business and acting ventures, still working out, and is involved in the Los Angeles community.

For all he has achieved in the NFL, it was what he did at Pittsburgh that made him into what he is today.

Aaron Donald will forever be part of Pittsburgh football lore.

In his years at Pittsburgh, Donald became one of the most dominant players in program history. His accolades speak for themselves. In his senior year of 2013, Donald won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, and Outland Trophy.

Also, he was an unanimous All-American and was the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Donald set a record for the most tackles for a loss by an interior defender with 66.

Earlier this year, Donald was inducted into the Pittsburgh Athletics Hall of Fame. Additionally, he donated $1 million to the Pitt Football Championship Fund in 2019, which was renamed the first-floor facility after him.

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