Aaron Donald has once again made NFL history — in the Pro Bowl this time.
With a Pro Bowl nod, Donald is the first NFL defensive tackle since 1970 to make the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 seasons. And while the 2022 nod may have been more so because of his consistent success, after missing six games, he more than earned his nod in 2023.
In 16 games, he’s racked up 53 tackles (28 solo), 16 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three passes defended — and he’s rated by PFF as one of the very best defenders in the NFL, regardless of position.
The Los Angeles Rams are headed back to the playoffs, clinching a playoff spot with one game left to play in the 2023 season, and it’s been in large part because of quarterback Matt Stafford’s resurgence but also Donald’s impact defensively.
Donald was a first round pick out of Pitt in 2014, following an All-American four-year career in Pittsburgh. He racked up 181 tackles (115 solo), 66 tackles for loss, 29.5 sacks, forced six fumbles and defended 10 passes during his career.
Donald’s senior campaign of 59 tackles (43 solo), 28.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and three passes defended rounded out one of the best defensive efforts in Pitt history — and college football history.
Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has bounced back in 2023 after an injury-plagued 2022 season forced him to miss six games.
In nearly 10 seasons, he’s tacked up 543 tackles (340 solo), 176 tackles for loss, 111 sacks, 24 forced fumbles and seven recoveries and 21 pass breakups — cementing himself as one of the greats at just 32.
Donald has made the Pro Bowl every season of his career, and there’s a good chance he’s going to feature as an All-Pro for the eighth time in his career after another standout season.
Donald is the only Pitt Panther to be named to the 2024 Pro Bowl.
Not to diminish what is truly an impressive accomplishment by an absolute Pitt legend, but did Donald really “make history” if it has happened before?