Aaron Donald Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is the Net Worth and Salary of Aaron Donald?

One of the most famous defensive players in football, Aaron Donald, an American professional football player, has a net worth of $60 million. He is celebrated for his time playing with the Los Angeles Rams. Donald initially gained recognition as a standout player at the University of Pittsburgh, where he received unanimous All-American honors. His accomplishments include winning Super Bowl LVI with the Rams in 2022. In March 15, 2024, after a 10-season career, Donald declared his retirement from the NFL.

Aaron Donald’s Contracts Details

In 2018, Donald signed a six-year, $135 million contract with the Rams, with an impressive $87 million of the total guaranteed. This deal elevated him to the highest-paid defensive player in league history at the time, a distinction now held by T.J. Watt, who is receiving $28 million from the Steelers. Between June 2018 and June 2019, he garnered $40 million from both salary and endorsements. At the time of his retirement announcement in March 2024, Donald had earned a total of $157 million over ten seasons, with an additional $20 million potentially due to him; however, it remains uncertain if he will receive this amount or not.

Early Years and High School

Born on May 23, 1991, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a working-class family in the Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood, Aaron Donald attended Penn Hills High School as a teenager. During his senior year, Donald showcased his skills on the football field, registering 63 tackles and 11 sacks.

His College Journey

Opting for the University of Pittsburgh over scholarship offers from Akron, Rutgers, and Toledo, Donald commenced his college career with the Pittsburgh Panthers football team. Following a freshman year where he played as a reserve defensive end, he made significant strides as a sophomore, earning a starting spot and tallying 47 tackles and 11 sacks. His success continued in subsequent years, culminating in being named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and receiving unanimous All-American honors during his senior season, in which he notched 59 tackles and 11 sacks.

Beginnings with the St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams drafted Donald with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He made his regular-season debut that September in a game against the Minnesota Vikings, showcasing his skills with three tackles and his first NFL sack. Donald’s first season concluded with 47 tackles and nine sacks, earning him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year accolade.

Transitioning to the 2015 season as a starting defensive tackle, Donald impressed with nine tackles and two sacks in the season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, garnering NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He continued his strong performance, finishing the season with 69 tackles and 11 sacks, earning a first-team All-Pro selection.

Moving to Los Angeles with the Rams (2016-2018)

In 2016, the Rams relocated to Los Angeles. Donald’s season faced a setback when he was ejected during the season opener for inappropriate contact with a referee, resulting in a fine of around $21,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct. Despite these early challenges, Donald bounced back, contributing significantly to the team’s victories. In 2017, he overcame a contract dispute to deliver an outstanding season, named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

The following year witnessed Donald’s stellar performance, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Month in October for his exceptional sacks and tackles. He continued his dominance by setting a new single-season sack record with 19.5 sacks and securing his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award. In the postseason, Donald helped the Rams reach Super Bowl LIII.

Continuing Success with the Rams (2019-2021)

Donald maintained his high performance levels in 2019, concluding the season with 48 tackles and 12.5 sacks. He received accolades such as NFC Defensive Player of the Week and Pro Bowl selection. The next season saw him notch 45 tackles and 13.5 sacks, claiming his third NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

Despite controversy over on-field incidents, including fines for misconduct, Donald excelled in the 2021 season with 84 tackles and 12.5 sacks. He played a crucial role in the Rams’ journey to Super Bowl LVI and contributed significantly to the team’s victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Personal and Family Life

Donald has two children, Jaeda and Aaron Jr., from a previous relationship with Jaelynn Blakey. He later married Erica Sherman, a former marketing staffer for the Los Angeles Rams, and the couple welcomed a son, Aaric.

Real Estate Ventures

In March 2019, Aaron and Erica purchased a lavish home in a Calabasas gated community for $4.7 million. In April 2022, they put this residence on the market for $6.25 million.