University of Pittsburgh Director of Athletics Allen Greene announced that Los Angeles Rams legend Aaron Donald will have his No. 97 jersey retired by the Panthers during a home game against Notre Dame on Nov. 15.
“It’s hard to put into words what it means to have my jersey retired,” Donald said in a statement. “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!”
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.
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 season’s end, 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.
“It was a dream come true to play for the University of Pittsburgh,” Donald said. “My experience as a Panther is something that influences my life every day, and I want to pay that forward. Pitt will always be my school, and I’m honored to be able to support the Blue and Gold.”
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 among Panthers legends
Donald is set to become the 11th Pittsburgh Panthers player to have his jersey retired. The rest of the group includes Jimbo Covert (No. 75, 1978-82), Mike Ditka (No. 89, 1958-60), Tony Dorsett (No. 33, 1973-76), Larry Fitzgerald (No. 1, 2002-03), Bill Fralic (No. 79, 1981-84), Marshall Goldberg (No. 42, 1936-38), Hugh Green (No. 99, 1977-80), Dan Marino (No. 13, 1979-82), Mark May (No. 73, 1977-80), and Joe Schmidt (No. 65, 1950-52).
