In a powerful and emotional ceremony held outside SoFi Stadium today, the Los Angeles Rams unveiled official plans for a bronze statue honoring legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald—cementing his place not only in franchise history but also among the NFL’s all-time greats.
Rams owner Stan Kroenke took to the podium to address fans, players, and media gathered for the announcement. “This is more than just a statue,” Kroenke said. “It is a symbol of what Donald means to the Rams. His influence shaped a generation of players and inspired greatness across the league.”
A Fitting Tribute
The statue, which will stand near the main entrance of SoFi Stadium, is slated for completion by the start of the 2026 season. Designed by renowned sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, whose past works include statues of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, the monument will depict Donald in his iconic three-point stance—moments before exploding off the line, a sight Rams fans came to revere during his historic career.
The base of the statue will be engraved with key milestones, including:
- 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020)
- 10× Pro Bowl selection
- 8× First-team All-Pro
- Super Bowl LVI Champion
- Rams franchise sack leader
A Legacy Etched in Bronze
Aaron Donald, who announced his retirement earlier this year after 11 dominant seasons with the Rams, was in attendance for the ceremony and appeared visibly moved by the tribute.
“I played every snap to make my teammates better and to bring pride to this organization,” Donald said. “To know that legacy will live on in front of this stadium forever—it’s humbling beyond words.”
Donald added that he hopes the statue becomes “a reminder to young players that greatness comes from consistency, hard work, and playing for something bigger than yourself.”
A Lasting Impact
Teammates, coaches, and former Rams legends offered tributes of their own. Head coach Sean McVay called Donald “the gold standard” of professionalism and performance, while retired lineman Andrew Whitworth praised Donald’s mentorship both on and off the field.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement calling Donald “one of the most disruptive forces in league history” and commended the Rams for “honoring a career that elevated the entire game of football.”
Beyond the Game
The statue marks the Rams’ first player monument at SoFi Stadium, setting a precedent for honoring those who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. In the words of Kroenke, “Aaron Donald didn’t just play the game—he changed it. And now his legacy will stand tall, forever.”
The unveiling ceremony ended with a special video montage of Donald’s most iconic plays, set to roaring applause from fans in attendance.
As one banner in the crowd read: “99 Forever.”
