Aaron Donald's (problematic) life in Los Angeles

[Ramer]

View: https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/150160175010461

AD must enjoy triple blocking

 

[brucebruce]

Negotiation tactic.

 

[Steve808]

This is a deep dive into Aaron's mindset. Unfortunately, he is considering retirement for family reasons but is pivoting to playing on. This makes the news that he is in discussions on a new long-term contract particularly interesting...

For example, it could signal a long-term commitment to LA or it might be a way for LA to receive higher draft capital if we were t we could trade him to Pittsburgh (for example) following this season.

This is a great read, if worrying, read

Aaron Donald on his possible retirement, Super Bowl victory - Sports Illustrated

The Rams’ all-time great opens up publicly for the first time.

www.si.com

I highly doubt that AD wants to retire after only getting one ring. He's got more fingers to cover. LOL

But seriously, I think it's just a negotiating tactic. At least I hope he isn't really considering retirement.

 

[FrantikRam]

He's made so much money that it doesn't matter anymore. He has to focus on the things that are a real priority to him. Family concerns can easily override money making. This is the same point (from a different angle) people were trying to make in the Show them the money thread.

Sure but the concern is only there because he had kids with one woman and now has kids with another. So his first family is living in Pittsburgh.

His second family is in LA.

Have to assume he's already tried to get the first out to LA if he's contemplating retirement - OR - he lives Pittsburgh, so maybe he hasn't.

But either way, if he just had one cohesive family, they'd live with him in LA and this wouldnt be a problem.

This notion that he's made enough money is shortsighted - it's possible that he's the first millionaire in his family. Also possible he will be the last. So making as much money for the future of his family....well that's what my motivation would be.

 

[RamDino]

So making as much money for the future of his family....well that's what my motivation would be.

And think of the endorsements AD will get now. The cover of SI, the late-night TV shows, the media coverage... AD is much more famous now and he will probably make as much in endorsements as his contract next year. And it couldn't happen to a nicer guy, IMO.

 

[Juice]

In the end, he will make the decision that is best for him. Whatever he wants, I hope he gets it sooner than later. Life is short. He will not be a Ram forever.

 

[“Turbo set!”]

Retirement narrative is contract leverage.

 

[1maGoh]

Sure but the concern is only there because he had kids with one woman and now has kids with another. So his first family is living in Pittsburgh.

His second family is in LA.

Have to assume he's already tried to get the first out to LA if he's contemplating retirement - OR - he lives Pittsburgh, so maybe he hasn't.

But either way, if he just had one cohesive family, they'd live with him in LA and this wouldnt be a problem.

This notion that he's made enough money is shortsighted - it's possible that he's the first millionaire in his family. Also possible he will be the last. So making as much money for the future of his family....well that's what my motivation would be.

I get that's what you're motivation would be, but we're talking about Donald. If Donald is contemplating retirement then he's contemplating whether or not his family outweighs the money. Meaning that, for Donald, money is not the most important thing. That's my only point. At some point he looked at his bank account and said, "Yeah maybe this is enough. Let's see how getting more stacks up against the rest of my priorities in life." Maybe spending time with his kids means more to him than the 40+million he would make these next two seasons. It's a question only he can answer.

 

[Young Ram]

Back at it. 99 makes it look easy.

 

[Memento]

Back at it. 99 makes it look easy.

I wanna draft his nephew. We need to have a Donald in the middle of our defense for the next fifteen years.

 

[Gandalf]

AD could move he and his family to LA and then move back to Pittsburgh once he retires in a few years. I believe he’s overthinking this.

With the housing market kicking ass, I bet he wished he had bought 2 or 3 houses. Rent them out a couple of years and dump them now before they go down in value.

 

[Wisconsinram]

The guy is one of my all-time favorites and he deserves everything he gets. With that said, if what he is saying is true, there is no amount of money that should change his mind. He's made enough for generations. For his sake, a new contract shouldn't sway his decision. If it does, it suggests to me this is more about money than what he is leading on.

I'll admit to being a little old-school; play for the contract you signed. Additionally, I am a bit reluctant in investing a ton in future years for a DL that is 30. Again, no issue with paying him as the top non-qb in the league during his prime years. But his story suggests it's not about money at all, but rather his role as a father. That has no cost and I wish him the best with his decision.