Rams News: Aaron Donald Has Greater Appreciation For Second Super Bowl Appearance
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

When Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald finally decides to retire, he will go down as arguably the greatest defensive player in NFL history.

However, the one thing missing from Donald’s resume is a Super Bowl championship. Donald and the Los Angeles Rams had their shot back in Super Bowl LIII but came up short against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

After years of failing to get back to the championship game, Donald and the Rams were able to punch their ticket to Super Bowl LVI and get another chance to bring a title to Los Angeles. The moment is not lost on Donald, who admitted that he is not taking this opportunity for granted via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:

“This time around, I could honestly say you appreciate it that much more,” Donald said during a video conference with reporters Friday. “Not saying I didn’t appreciate it the first time, but you get there the first time, you’re kind of thinking you’re going to get back the following year, (but) it don’t work like that. Having an opportunity to battle and find a way to get here, you just appreciate it that much more.”

The first time Donald went to the Super Bowl, the roster lacked championship experience but feels that having someone like Von Miller around for this run will help their odds:

“A lot of players (have) been at this game, that was with us when we went. Got guys like (outside linebacker) Von (Miller) that have won a Super Bowl. You’ve got guys that have got that experience, you’ve got coaches that have got that experience, so that definitely helps.”

The Rams have pushed all their chips into the middle of the table and are one win away from validating everything they have done to get to this point. Donald has had a productive playoff run, but Super Bowl LVI represents a chance to cement his legacy.