Former Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth says he is in regular contact with three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald to gauge whether the retired pass-rusher will rejoin the franchise. The outreach follows the Rams' trade for reigning DPOY Myles Garrett, a move that rekindled speculation about a Donald comeback. Whitworth, who played in the NFL until age 40, stopped short of suggesting the two veterans would arrive as a package deal.
Whitworth's Direct Line to Donald
Whitworth confirmed to Fox News Digital that he periodically texts Donald to assess his level of interest. He said he would love to see a return but emphasized the decision rests entirely with Donald, adding that he does not want him to risk injury. If Donald develops the motivation to play, Whitworth said watching him line up alongside Garrett would be the most exciting possible outcome. He described Donald as one of the most special players he has been around in his career.
When asked directly whether his own potential involvement was linked to Donald's return, Whitworth was unambiguous. He said he does not believe so — and that, were he 35 years old, he would already be on the field himself.
Garrett's Early Integration in Los Angeles
Whitworth said Garrett has already trained at his personal gym, a facility used by several players. That access has given Whitworth direct time with Garrett ahead of the season. He called the Rams' locker room "a one-of-one type place" and predicted Garrett will arrive to training camp more energized than at any prior point in his career once he fully absorbs the team's culture and the weight of the opportunity.
The Rams constructed their current roster around a compressed competitive window. In April, the franchise selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Shortly after, the team extended reigning MVP Matthew Stafford for one additional season before executing the Garrett trade. The sequence reflects a dual-track approach: competing immediately with proven veterans while developing a successor under center.
American Century Championship
Whitworth is also preparing for the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament at Lake Tahoe, an annual event he described as one he anticipates throughout the entire year. He said the competitive nerves at the tournament rival those athletes experience in their primary sports, and that the event's energy has grown considerably with its fan base. He called it a week that stays with participants long after it ends.