Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald had his No. 97 jersey retired by the University of Pittsburgh during their game against Notre Dame on Saturday.
Donald was joined on the field for his family, where he watched a giant banner of his number go up in the rafters.
He was also presented with a framed jersey and photos of himself from his time in Pittsburgh to commemorate the special day.
Donald joined the Panthers in 2010 and immediately made an impact as a rookie. Over his four seasons in Pittsburgh, he compiled 66 tackles for loss, the fourth most for any defensive player since the NCAA began tracking the statistic in 2000.
.@Pitt_FB officially retires Aaron Donald's No. 97 💛 💙 pic.twitter.com/KJbht8C0hT
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) November 15, 2025
Hail To Aaron Donald pic.twitter.com/ldU1xA7in1
— Pitt Panthers (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) November 15, 2025
97 Forever 🔵🟡 pic.twitter.com/qzpiqmeb0t
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) November 15, 2025
As a senior in 2013, Donald led the nation with 28.5 tackles for loss and added 11 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a blocked extra point.
At the end of that season, Donald was named a unanimous first-team All-American and the winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Outland Trophy, and Rotary Lombardi Award.
Donald went on to be selected by the Rams in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft and continued his greatness at the professional level.
He made the Pro Bowl in all 10 of his seasons with the Rams, was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award recipient and helped the team win the Super Bowl in 2022.
Donald retired at the end of the 2023 season but still follows the Rams closely and recently launched his own podcast with former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.
Aaron Donald honored to have jersey retired by University of Pittsburgh
When it was first announced that the University of Pittsburgh would retire Aaron Donald’s jersey, he spoke highly of the school and said he appreciated his time there.
“It’s hard to put into words what it means to have my jersey retired,” Donald said in a statement at the time. “Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I’m grateful to the University of Pittsburgh for taking a chance on me when so many others wouldn’t.
“I accomplished more in my career than I ever dreamed of, and for that I’m truly blessed. To soon see my number hanging alongside other Pitt greats is an honor beyond measure. I will always love this University. Hail to Pitt!”
