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Aaron Donald lets out a celebratory yell after the Rams’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game in January 2022. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
The Rams’ 2023 season had ended.
An emotional defeat in an NFC wild-card game at Detroit closed a successful run for star defensive lineman Aaron Donald and his mostly younger teammates.
Disappointment coursed through the visiting locker room at Ford Field, but players said they were proud of what they accomplished, and looked forward to next season.
After speaking with Donald and his teammates, reporters made their way toward the exit.
Suddenly, from behind, Hulk-sized hands landed on my shoulders. Forearms that felt like iron cannons pressed down on my back.
Read more: Rams’ Aaron Donald heads to hometown Pittsburgh, where star was born and he still has roots
Soon it registered.
Aaron Donald had me in his grip.
Now that Donald, a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer, has announced his retirement after a 10-year career with the Rams, I reflect on that moment.
For eight years, since the Rams moved back to Los Angeles from St. Louis, I watched quarterbacks helplessly find themselves wrapped up in Donald’s clutches. The three-time NFL defensive player of the year routinely — and violently — smashed them to the turf.
During training camp and portions of in-season practice sessions, I got a close-up view as the muscle-bound and cat-quick Donald perfected his craft.
One drill in particular always spurred intrigue. Donald shuffled through a line of tackling dummies, wickedly slapping them at head height along the way. How could opposing players absorb such blows?
Several years ago, my fascination led to a what-were-you-thinking? situation.
Donald was scheduled to speak with reporters in the locker room. But first, longtime teammate and wingman Michael Brockers fielded questions at his locker next to Donald’s.
Much like he often did on the field, Donald sensed an opening. A gap. So he made a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/aaron-donald-used-strength-mind-213829229.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-03-16 21:38:29
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