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WOODLAND HILLS, CA - JUNE 02: General Manager Les Snead, DE Myles Garrett and head coach Sean McVay during the Los Angeles Rams OTA on June 02, 2026, at the The Rams Village in Woodland Hills, CA. Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JUN 02 Los Angeles Rams OTA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2606022636

Jul 20, 2026, 4:16 PM CUT

Ex-SB winner drops bold statement about blocking Aaron Donald & Myles Garrett

The possibility of Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett lining up on the same defensive front has led to discussions across the NFL. While Donald built a Hall of Fame resume, Garrett has marked himself as the best edge rusher in the NFL, according to a Super Bowl winner.

The former Super Bowl-winning running back, Leonard Fournette, shared his view on how challenging it will be for the offensive lines. While Donald isn't confirmed to return from retirement, it could certainly look spectacular if he did.

"Man, first of all, to game plan against a defense like that, right? Usually, it's one D lineman, or it might be a defensive end, or it might be a linebacker, or it might be whatever," said Leonard Fournette. "But to pinpoint all your focus on two guys on the defensive line, right? That should open up so much for the linebackers."

Myles Garrett

Myles Garrett. Image Credits: John Mersits/Imago

Fournette's statement on 4th And South w/ Jarvis Landry & Leonard Fournette shows the effect an elite defensive line can create.

Donald walked away after the 2023 season believing he had nothing left to prove. The Rams legend retired feeling fulfilled after a decade of dominance.

That certainty, though, is beginning to fade. The Los Angeles Rams are pushing for a comeback and the chance to line up alongside Myles Garrett. Donald has also returned to on-field workouts to that end.

When offenses have double teams or extra blockers for Donald and Garrett, other defenders are left with more favorable matchups.

That can make linebackers free to attack the run, create pressure on the QB, or make plays in coverage while offenses struggle for every threat.

Garrett has totaled 125 career sacks and is one of the NFL's most dominant edge rushers.

Meanwhile, Donald has primarily played as an interior defensive tackle and retired after recording 111 career sacks. He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight First-Team All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl title.

Preparing for one pass rusher is difficult enough. Preparing for two at the same time could change the offense's game plan and create chances for every other defender on the field.

While Aaron Donald's return is not yet confirmed, the Rams are leaving the decision up to the future Hall of Famer.

NFL insider reveals Rams' hands-off approach to Aaron Donald

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Los Angeles Rams have avoided putting any pressure on Donald to come out of retirement. The franchise has made it clear that the door is open whenever he is ready.

"The Rams, for their part, haven’t pushed," wrote Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "They’ve told him they’d love to have him. But they want the decision to be the 35-year-old Donald’s and Donald’s alone. And they’ll be judicious in how they work him back in, should he return."

Breer's report suggests the Rams are prepared to ease Donald into action instead of expecting him to take a load immediately.

With training camp approaching and Garrett already on the defensive front, the franchise is prioritizing Donald's long-term health and comfort.

If Donald chooses to return, Los Angeles could possess one of the most intimidating defensive lines in recent NFL history.

What are your views on the Aaron Donald - Myles Garrett duo? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote