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Aaron Donald reacts to making College Football Hall of Fame ballot, talks receiving $100,000 donation from Raising Cane's

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones06/05/25brianjones_93
Aaron Donald
Mar 3, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers former defensive end Aaron Donald waves to the crowd during a time-out against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. The North Carolina State Wolfpack won 74-67. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Donald had a legendary NFL career, but he has a chance to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame very soon. On3 attended a charity event for Donald at Raising Cane’s in Los Angeles and asked the former Los Angeles Rams star about him being on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

“When I got the call, I was actually in the car with my wife and all four of my kids, and it was a little emotional for me,” Donald said to On3 and other reporters. “Obviously, being born and raised in Pittsburgh, and getting an opportunity to play at the University of Pittsburgh and getting that call. And a lot of schools didn’t want to give me an opportunity because they considered me an undersized defensive tackle. And just to understand the journey that went through, the body of work that I put in. To be retired now and still receiving accolades from what I did from football, it’s truly a blessing. It was one heck of a stepping stone for me in my career.

“So to be able to call myself a Pit hall of famer from a kid, that school said I wasn’t going to be able to do it at a big division one school, and to be able to prove so many wrong from just the body of work I put in, it’s just truly an honor.”

Aaron Donald loves the support his organization is getting from Raising Cane’s

Aaron Donald played for the Pittsburgh Panthers from 2010 to 2013 and became a dominant defensive lineman. In 2013, Donald won multiple individual awards, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lombardi Award, after recording 59 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. He was also named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a Unanimous All-American.

Donald’s production on the field led to him creating his nonprofit organization, the AD99 Foundation. On Tuesday, Raising Cane’s gave Donald a $100,000 donation to help support underserved communities through programs in education, athletics and the arts. Aaron Donald started the AD99 Foundation with his wife, Erica, in 2018.

Aaron Donald poses for a photo on June 3, 2025 at Raising Canes in Burbank, Calif. Courtesy of Raising Cane’s

“It means the world to us to have Raising Cane’s and Todd supporting our mission. From tutoring to mentoring, we’re trying to keep these kids on the right path,” Donald said. “This donation from Raising Cane’s will help us grow and expand AD99 to support youth in LA and further our vision. I’m so thankful to Todd for the support and am looking forward to meeting him in a few weeks at Fanatics Fest.”