Andrew Whitworth logs prediction on Aaron Donald retirement decision
Andrew Whitworth went out after hoisting the Lombardi Trophy — but he doesn’t expect Aaron Donald to join him in retirement. According to the former Rams offensive tackle, the superstar defensive lineman will be back on the field, dominating for Los Angeles in 2022.
“He’ll be back on that field dominating again,” Whitworth confidently stated, via TMZ.
There you have it. While it’s not from the horse’s mouth, Whitworth gives a great indication on Donald’s future. Additionally, the former Rams offensive tackles revealed what he expects from Donald next season.
“Dominate on the football field again,” Whitworth stated. “That’s what I know he knows how to do well and I’m sure he’s going to be doing it again.”
Whenever Donald’s been on the field, he’s been dominant. As long as he wants to, the Rams will let him suit-up and lead their defense into battle.
Moreover, Whitworth’s prediction comes after an exuberant Donald theorized about the Rams’ ability to win back-to-back Super Bowls at the Rams’ victory parade.
“We built a super team,” Donald said, via NFL.com’s Nick Shook. “We can bring the super team back. Why not run it back? We can be world champs again.”
Aaron Donald, an eight-year NFL veteran, cemented himself as one of the best defensive players in NFL history with a Super Bowl ring. An eight-time Pro Bowler and seven-time All-Pro nominee, the former Pittsburgh star sure doesn’t sound ready to hang it up just yet. Andrew Whitworth can’t see it, either.
More on Andrew Whitworth, NFL retirement
While Andrew Whitworth doesn’t see Aaron Donald retiring, he decided it was time to hang-up his cleats last week.
Whitworth, 40, made the announcement last Tuesday after winning Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams. He helped the Rams defeat his longtime former team: the Cincinnati Bengals. Whitworth spent 11 seasons with the Bengals before signing with the Rams in 2017, with whom he ended up finishing his career.
Upon the announcement, both the Rams and the Bengals tweeted out their congratulations to the veteran, who became the oldest offensive lineman to win a Super Bowl.
Cincinnati drafted Whitworth with the No. 55 overall pick in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He previously starred at LSU, winning a 2003 national championship with the Tigers and earning second team All-SEC nominations in 2004 and 2005.
During his career, Whitworth made four Pro Bowls and was a two-time All-Pro nominee. But 2021 proved to be a special season, and the perfect ending to his career. Not only did he get his first Super Bowl ring over his former team, but he won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.