The Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray breathed a sigh of relief when he learned that Aaron Donald is retiring from the NFL.
During their career, Donald sacked Murray six-and-a-half times in their eight games against each other, making him second only to Russell Wilson in terms of the number of times sacked by this three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Donald's last sack on Murray brought his total career sacks to 111, a franchise record for the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals struggled against Donald, with the 32-year-old achieving a 7-1 record in games he played for the rival Rams.
Consequently, there was much relief to see Donald retire. "THANK GOD," was Murray's response to Donald's retirement announcement on X. However, he quickly followed it up with a more sincere message. Murray added: "Honoured to have competed against the best of All-Time! Aaron Donald, enjoy ya retirement and plz don’t come back."
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When a social media user posted a snapshot of Donald mid-tackle against a retreating Murray during a game, the quarterback responded: "Na, this is insane..." alongside three crying-laughter emojis.
Geno Smith, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback, also paid his respects to Donald. He said: "Much respect to 99... one of the greatest of all time but still a Pitt Panther... enjoyed every matchup from college to the pros. Well wishes always!"
Donald shared a big message on social media to announce his NFL exit. He wrote: "For 10 years, I have been fortunate to play the game of football at the highest level," it began.
"I'm thankful for the people I've met along the way, the relationships I've built and the things I've accomplished with my teammates and individually... I appreciate everyone on the field, off the field and behind the scenes that made my job smooth."
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Donald continued: "Throughout my career, I have given my everything to football both mentally and physically - 365 days a year was dedicated to becoming the best possible player I could be. I respected this game like no other and I'm blessed to be able to conclude my NFL career with the same franchise that drafted me.
"Not many people get drafted to a team, win a World Championship with that team and retire with that team. I do not, and will not, take that for granted.
"As I turn my focus to a new chapter, I don't know what the future holds, but I am excited about the off the field possibilities. I'm looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Erica, and my kids, Jaeda, AJ, Aaric and Aali.
"The greatest reward was being able to play this game with them by my side, and I can't wait to watch them live out their dreams just as they watched me live out mine."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.