The greatness of Aaron Donald could be highlighted in a multitude of ways but nothing illustrates his dominance quite like stats – and one stat of Donald’s continues to surprise.
Donald, who hasn’t played a single snap since 2023, went out at the peak of his game, earning his eighth All-Pro selection during his final season. With the possibility of Donald returning, Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker brought up a crazy stat to show how Donald’s play has transcended his retirement.
He’s top 10 in both pressures and sacks among all defensive linemen since 2021, despite not playing the last two seasons.
What makes this stat even more impressive is that it was the worst three-year stretch of Donald’s career production-wise. There were multiple reasons for that, many out of Donald’s control, and despite that stretch being paired with two seasons of zero production, Donald still remains a top-ten defensive lineman within the NFL.
If Donald can maintain his place without playing, one has to wonder what they would’ve looked like had he not retired in his prime.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Wild stat shows Aaron Donald is outproducing most players even in retirement
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
