Aaron Donald is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in the history of American football. For a decade with the Los Angeles Rams, the defensive tackle overwhelmed offensive lines with a rare combination of explosive power, leverage, and technique — earning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, a Super Bowl championship, and a place among the game’s all-time greats before retiring at the peak of his powers.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Donald was considered undersized by NFL standards at 6 feet 1 inch, yet he turned perceived limitations into legendary strengths. Drafted 13th overall in 2014, he made an immediate impact as Defensive Rookie of the Year and never looked back, piling up 111 career sacks from the interior of the defensive line — a feat few players at his position have ever matched.
In this complete biography, we break down everything about Aaron Donald — his wiki and biography details, age, height, weight, wife and children, career statistics and awards, retirement, and his estimated net worth — plus 10 fascinating facts and answers to the most frequently asked questions about him.
Aaron Donald Wiki and Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aaron Charles Donald |
| Known As | Aaron Donald |
| Nickname | Cheat Code |
| Date of Birth | May 23, 1991 |
| Age | 35 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Profession | Former NFL Defensive Tackle |
| Education | University of Pittsburgh |
| Years Active | 2014 – 2024 (retired March 2024) |
| Wife / Relationship Status | Married to Erica Sherman (m. 2021) |
Aaron Donald Height, Weight and Physical Stats
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Weight | 280 lbs (127 kg) |
| Body Type | Powerfully built, athletic |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Distinctive Features | Wore jersey number 99 with the Rams |
| Shoe Size | Not publicly disclosed |
Aaron Donald Career
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession | American football defensive tackle (retired) |
| Team | St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (2014–2024) |
| Position | Defensive Tackle / Defensive End |
| Jersey Number | 99 |
| NFL Draft | 2014, Round 1, 13th overall pick (St. Louis Rams) |
| College | University of Pittsburgh (2010–2013) |
| Known For | Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year; Super Bowl LVI champion |
| Career NFL Stats | 543 tackles, 111 sacks, 24 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 21 pass deflections |
| Key Milestones | NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2014); NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020); 10x Pro Bowl selections (2014–2023); Super Bowl LVI champion (2021 season); Unanimous All-American, Nagurski, Bednarik, Outland and Lombardi Award winner in college (2013); announced retirement March 2024 |
Aaron Donald Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $60 million |
| Income Sources | NFL contracts and salary, endorsement deals (including Panini, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Electronic Arts, Pizza Hut), business ventures |
| Charity | AD99 Foundation |
10 Interesting Facts About Aaron Donald
- Aaron Donald grew up in the working-class Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where his father Archie woke him at 4:30 AM for basement gym workouts starting at age 12.
- Despite dominating at Penn Hills High School (63 tackles, 11 sacks as a senior), he was rated only a three-star recruit because scouts worried about his 6-foot-1 frame.
- He stayed home for college, committing to the University of Pittsburgh, where he became a unanimous All-American and swept the sport’s top defensive awards in 2013.
- The St. Louis Rams drafted him 13th overall in 2014, and he immediately won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with 9 sacks.
- He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times (2017, 2018, 2020) — a feat achieved by only a handful of players in league history.
- His 111 career sacks are remarkable for an interior defensive lineman, a position where players rarely reach triple-digit sacks.
- He won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 season, sealing the game with a game-ending pressure on the opposing quarterback.
- His nickname “Cheat Code” reflects how unfairly dominant he looked against even the best offensive linemen in football.
- He married Erica Sherman in 2021; the couple has children together.
- In March 2024, he announced his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons, walking away while still playing at an elite level.
Conclusion
Aaron Donald’s career is a masterclass in turning discipline into dominance. From pre-dawn basement workouts in Pittsburgh to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, he redefined what a defensive tackle could be — not just a run-stuffer, but the most feared pass rusher on the field. His three Defensive Player of the Year awards, decade of Pro Bowl selections, and Super Bowl title tell the story of a player who maximized every ounce of his talent. Retirement may have ended his playing days, but his legacy as one of football’s greatest defenders is permanent.
FAQs About Aaron Donald
Who is Aaron Donald?
Aaron Donald is a former American football defensive tackle who played 10 seasons (2014–2024) with the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams and is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.
How old is Aaron Donald?
He was born on May 23, 1991, making him 35 years old as of 2026.
What is Aaron Donald’s height and weight?
He stands 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm) and played at approximately 280 lbs (127 kg).
Who is Aaron Donald’s wife?
He is married to Erica Sherman. They married in 2021.
How many children does Aaron Donald have?
He has children including Jaeda Donald and Aaron Donald Jr.
Why is Aaron Donald famous?
He is famous for his dominant 10-year NFL career with the Rams, three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, 10 Pro Bowl selections, and a Super Bowl LVI championship.
When did Aaron Donald retire?
He announced his retirement from the NFL in March 2024 after the 2023 season.
How many sacks did Aaron Donald have in his career?
He recorded 111 career sacks along with 543 total tackles and 24 forced fumbles.
What is Aaron Donald’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $60 million as of 2026, earned through NFL contracts, endorsements, and business ventures.
What team did Aaron Donald play for?
He spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams, wearing jersey number 99.