McVay tried to coax Donald out of retirement after 'too many' vodka sodas
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay used some liquid courage in an attempt to lure Aaron Donald out of retirement last season.
McVay made the revelation on the "Pardon My Take" podcast, explaining how he broached Donald about potentially returning to the Rams while they were celebrating his son's birthday in October.
"(Donald) was at my house after we played Minnesota earlier on in the season," McVay said. "It was a Thursday night game, so we had a birthday (party) for my son Jordan. It was his first birthday. ... I think I caught a couple vodka sodas too many, and I definitely was trying to convince him (to return). He was like, 'Hey bro, we've already been down this road, man. You know that's not happening.'"
Donald spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Rams, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a Super Bowl.
The 33-year-old announced his retirement in March 2024, explaining that he was "burnt out" and no longer had the passion to play football.