Aaron Donald faces the intriguing decision over whether he should unretire and return to the powerhouse roster being put together in Los Angeles.

Having traded for the 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, the Los Angeles Rams have cemented themselves as early favorites for the 2026 Super Bowl

Just in case Sean McVay did not have enough firepower at SoFi Stadium, there is now the potential that legendary defensive tackle Donald could be tempted out of retirement.

With the upcoming Super Bowl being held in Inglewood once again, the prospect of getting his hands on a second ring is certainly being considered by the 35-year-old.

“Gotta see if that fire can light back up,” Donald told Pat McAfee just a matter of weeks ago.

While Rams fans are left eagerly waiting on Donald’s official decision, here are five NFL players who came out of retirement and enjoyed success upon their return to the game.

Ricky Williams

Running back out of the University of Texas, Ricky Williams, enjoyed five years in the league after being drafted by the New Orleans Saints and then traded to the Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2003.

After sitting out the 2004 season, Williams returned to the game with the Dolphins in 2005 and provided a return of six touchdowns and 743 rushing yards, but he missed the 2006 season through suspension.

Having served his suspension, Williams played a further five seasons (four in Miami and his final with the Baltimore Ravens), which included an 1121 yard and 11 touchdown season in 2009.

A real example of a player returning to the NFL after retiring and making an impact.

Brett Favre

A controversial figure in the game, Brett Favre came out of retirement on two occasions, but it was his second return to the game that really impressed.

Following his second retirement in 2008, Favre swiftly returned to the game by signing for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009.

The former Green Bay Packers quarterback led the NFC North rival, the Vikings, to a seriously impressive 12-4 season, which ended in defeat at the NFC Championship against the Saints.

Scoring 33 touchdowns and throwing for 4202 yards, with just seven interceptions, this was a fine example of one of the greats showcasing that he still had it after announcing his retirement.

Marshawn Lynch

One of the real characters of NFL history Marshawn Lynch called it a day after nine years in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and famously the Seattle Seahawks back in 2015.

The 12^th pick from the 2007 NFL Draft proved himself to be one of the true great running backs during his time in the Pacific North West.

After securing himself a ring with Seattle in their dominant win over the Denver Broncos, Lynch hung up his cleats in 2015. He then returned to the game with the Oakland Raiders in 2017 to run for 891 yards and seven touchdowns.

Lynch then officially called it a day on his career as a Seattle Seahawk in 2019.

Rob Gronkowski

In many people’s eyes, Rob Gronkowski goes down as the greatest tight end to ever grace the game.

Across his nine seasons with the New England Patriots, the product of the University of Arizona won three Super Bowl rings and scored 79 touchdowns.

Gronk initially retired in 2019, but he was tempted out of retirement by his old friend Tom Brady following his move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Upon his return to the game, Gronk won the Super Bowl in his very first season back after putting another seven touchdowns and 623 yards on his record.

Following a six touchdown and 802 yard season in 2021, Gronk finally ended his illustrious career for good.

Eric Weddle

This is a player who Donald will be all too familiar with considering he played with him during the 2022 season.

Eric Weddle enjoyed a 13-year career in the NFL having played for San Diego Chargers, Ravens and Rams, the defensive back retired after the 2019 season.

However, it was then confirmed in 2022 that Weddle would come out of retirement and sign for the Rams’ practice squad due to injuries experienced at safety.

Weddle was not activated until the playoffs and was even given the approval of Jalen Ramsey to wear the number 20 jersey.

The veteran played through a hamstring injury throughout the playoffs and even tore his pectoral muscle in the Super Bowl, but refused to be taken out of the game.

After finally clinching the Super Bowl and playing 61 defensive snaps in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Weddle retired again