Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay described Aaron Donald’s recent workout at the team facility as the best tryout we’ve ever had.
What began as a routine conditioning session at the Los Angeles Rams team facility quickly evolved into one of the summer’s most closely watched storylines.
That procedural requirement offered head coach Sean McVay an opening to deliver a characteristically blunt and humorous assessment of the 35-year-old defensive tackle’s current physical state. Did it come across as a tryout?
McVay asked during a media appearance, before offering his definitive appraisal. Best tryout we’ve ever had. I think he could make the team.
Inside Donald’s Facility Workout and Coaching Staff Reaction
The workout itself was non-padded, meaning evaluation was inherently limited. Still, the defensive staff came away visibly impressed by what they saw from the three-time Defensive Player of the Year. According to run game coordinator and defensive line coach Giff Smith, the session exceeded every expectation for a player two years removed from professional football.
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“That was honestly our way of being able to get a workout with him within the parameters of what’s necessary,” McVay said. ” … (Run game coordinator/defensive line coach) Giff Smith said it’s the greatest tryout he’s ever had.”
Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams Head Coach
While public workout videos on social media have consistently shown Donald maintaining elite physical conditioning during his retirement, football shape remains an entirely different hurdle. McVay noted that Donald is subjecting himself to a very strict
evaluation process to test whether his body can handle the demands of a full 17-game regular season and a deep playoff run.
The Myles Garrett Factor and Roster Dynamics
The entire comeback narrative traces back to a single offseason transaction. In interviews following the trade, Donald admitted to ESPN’s Pat McAfee that the arrival of Garrett sparked a renewed internal fire about potentially returning to Los Angeles.
Should Donald officially decide to return, he would step into an already terrifying defensive front. The Rams’ roster features a loaded defensive line anchored by Garrett, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, and Byron Young. Rather than returning as an every-down starter, league reports indicate Donald would likely be deployed in a targeted, rotational role.
Evaluating the Timeline for a Final Decision
Despite the optimism generated by his facility visit, definitive news remains on hold. McVay emphasized that any formal announcements will wait until the team relocates back to their Woodland Hills facility for the next phase of preparations.
“There won’t be any news on that front until we get back to Woodland Hills,” McVay said, according to coverage by ESPN. “We’ve loosely had some different timelines that are kind of temporary. I want to keep those between us just if something unforeseen happens, out of respect for him and the situation. But I know this: Things are going in the right direction. And if there’s an arrow, it’s trending upwards.”
Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams Head Coach
Simultaneously, Donald continues to shape his post-playing profile away from the gridiron. Front Office Sports reported that Donald recently signed with Jon Rosen’s management firm, Envisionary, to expand his business ventures, brand partnerships, and media projects, including an in-development docuseries.
Worth a look
