Aaron Donald, one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, is coming out of retirement to rejoin his only professional team, the Los Angeles Rams.

During a 10-season career with the Rams, who drafted him with the 13th overall pick in 2014, Donald was a three-time defensive player of the year and an eight-time first team All-Pro. He won a Super Bowl with the Rams at the end of the 2021 season before announcing his retirement in March 2024 at the age of 32.

The 35-year-old returns to a stacked Rams roster who were already betting favorites to win the Super Bowl this season. The team includes reigning MVP Matthew Stafford at quarterback and the reigning defensive player of the year, Myles Garrett, who Los Angeles acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in June.

ESPN reports that Donald will earn $20m in his one-year deal, which could rise to $30m with bonuses.

Rumors had circulated that Donald would return after the trade for Garrett. Rams head coach Sean McVay had undergone a “very strict, regimented process that was similar to what he did when he played” to see if he was still able to play in the NFL. McVay said the 10-time Pro Bowler had been “outstanding” during a workout with the Rams this summer.

If Donald can replicate anything close to the form he showed during his peak – when he was arguably the greatest defensive tackle of all time – he will form part of a formidable line with Garrett, who set the NFL single-season sack record in 2025.

Donald, who was listed at 6ft 1in and 280 lbs when he retired, is small for a defensive tackle but during his first spell with the Rams he made up for his lack of size with his extraordinary athleticism and work rate. He ended his career with a franchise record 111 sacks.

If the Rams do reach the Super Bowl this season, they will play on home turf at SoFi Stadium, the venue for their championship victory in February 2022. The Rams start their season on 10 September against their NFC West rivals, the San Francisco 49ers.