Aaron Donald has been retired for over a year, but he’s still pushing NFL players to their limits—just with a new focus. Recently, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jalen Carter took on Donald’s “old man training” challenge, which he experienced at home. Despite Donald hanging up his cleats last offseason, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year remains deeply involved in the game and has publicly offered to coach the 24-year-old Carter through his intense workout routine.
Though a fun social media clip showed Carter seemingly enjoying the workouts, he later admitted they were much tougher than they appeared. At training camp, the rookie detailed Aaron Donald’s regimen, which includes four rounds of aerobic exercises—Versaclimber, biking, lunges, and core workouts—that leave him exhausted before even hitting the weight room. Carter confessed to struggling badly, joking that he was nearly immobilized by the grueling sessions and even requesting help from Donald’s wife and manager due to his fatigue.
More seriously, Carter acknowledged how much he learned from Donald’s approach, noting the mental toughness required, especially in thinking ahead to the critical fourth quarter of games. The rookie, drafted 19th overall in 2024, has already made a mark on the Rams’ defense and appreciates Donald’s influence as he seeks to elevate his performance.
Donald, who retired in 2023, finished a legendary career with 10 Pro Bowl appearances, eight first-team All-Pro honors, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a Super Bowl ring.
Fan Take: This story highlights how legendary veterans like Aaron Donald continue to shape the future of the NFL even after retirement. It underscores the importance of mentorship and elite training in developing the next generation of stars, which can elevate the overall level of competition in the league.
