All-time defensive great Donald retires from NFL

Aaron Donald, one of the NFL's greatest defensive players, has announced his retirement with immediate effect.

The defensive tackle, who turns 33 in May, spent 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Los Angeles Rams franchise.

He helped them win the Super Bowl in 2022 and is one of three men to be named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year three times.

"Cheers to what's next," he said on X., external "Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support."

Donald hinted he was contemplating retirement during the Super Bowl run in 2022, before returning with the Rams, but his announcement on Friday came as a surprise.

NFL teams are currently in the free agency period and are beginning to shape their rosters for the 2024 season, which begins in September.

Donald was the 13th overall pick by the Rams in the 2014 draft and he spent two seasons with them in St Louis before the team relocated to LA.

They reached the Super Bowl in 2019, losing 13-3 to the New England Patriots, but Donald was able to add a Super Bowl ring to his accomplishments after the Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in their own stadium in LA.

"Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically - 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be," he added.

"I respected this game like no other and I'm blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me. Not many people get drafted to a team, win a world championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted."