Aaron Donald retirement: Sean McVay’s emotional tribute to NFL legend after shock announcement

Sean McVay, the head coach of Los Angeles Rams, has paid a touching tribute to Aaron Donald following his surprise retirement.

Donald announced his exit from the NFL on Friday in a heartfelt social media post, saying he was ready for the “next chapter” of his life.

“For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level,” he wrote. “I’m thankful for the people I’ve met along the way, the relationships I’ve built and the things I’ve accomplished with my teammates and individually… I appreciate everyone on the field, off the field and behind the scenes that made my job smooth.”

The news came as a shock to many Rams fans, especially since Los Angeles had just restructured Donald’s contract to create $9.2million (£7.2m) in cap space this year. Yet it seems there is no bad blood between Donald and Rams head coach McVay.

“The great players in our league elevate the people around them and Aaron has modelled the way for our team as long as I’ve been with the Rams,” McVay said in a statement. “He’s an elite competitor, someone who leads by example in a way that’s authentic to him, and an exceptional teammate who inspires everyone around him to be the best version of themselves.

“As great of a player he is, he’s an even better person. He is truly one of one and epitomises everything that’s right about sports. I will forever cherish the memories we’ve made and will always be grateful for how he poured everything into this game and into our team. He’s meant a lot to me personally and to my family.”