Los Angeles Rams rookie pass rusher Jared Verse learned a valuable lesson this offseason: don’t challenge Aaron Donald unless you’re ready to back it up.
The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year found that out the hard way after playfully mocking Donald’s training methods on The Adam Schefter Podcast. Asked if he’d ever lifted with the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Verse quipped confidently, “He don’t want that. He’s not ready for that. That little 500 bench he has? I be moving weight.”
Donald didn’t let the comment slide.
The next day, the recently retired Rams legend posted a video on Instagram, inviting Verse to put his words into action. “I’m looking for you, Verse… Come to the house. I just wanna talk,” he said through a grin mid-rep. “Play with a little weights. Do a little cardio. You know, the old man retirement workout. Let’s see what you got.”
Verse took him up on the challenge—and came out humbled. He later posted a photo of himself alongside Donald, captioned: “I tried to test a legend… and he responded with a workout from hell. Learned my lesson.”
The Workout That Broke the Los Angeles Rams’ Young Star
Donald’s “retirement workout” was clearly anything but soft. In the aftermath, Rams players past and present chimed in with playful commentary. Defensive tackle Kobie Turner admitted he’d been “waiting all day for this,” while wideout Tutu Atwell ribbed Verse in the comments: “Look tired my boy.”
Even former Rams corner Jalen Ramsey weighed in, responding with a chorus of laughing emojis.
The exchange—equal parts banter and respect—highlighted the culture Donald helped build in L.A. and the high bar he’s left for the next generation. Verse, who posted 4.5 sacks, 66 tackles, 18 QB hits, and two fumble recoveries as a rookie, is viewed as a cornerstone of the Rams’ defensive future. Donald made that clear earlier this year when he called Verse’s DROY award “well deserved.”
Donald’s G.O.A.T. Case Still Echoes in Retirement
Although Donald officially retired after his 10th Pro Bowl season in 2023, his shadow looms large—both in the weight room and in debates over the greatest defensive player of all time.
TMZ caught up with him recently at a Raising Cane’s event in Los Angeles and pressed him on the G.O.A.T. conversation. True to form, Donald deflected the self-praise but didn’t exactly dismiss the idea.
“There’s too many greats. Too many different eras. But I think in the era when I played, I was pretty damn good. I held my own,” he said.
With a résumé that includes 10 Pro Bowls, multiple DPOY awards, and a Super Bowl ring, Donald is firmly in the conversation with names like Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White. And yet, his humility remains a core part of his legacy.
Life After Football: Still Grinding
Retirement hasn’t slowed Donald down. Off the field, he’s channeling his intensity into new ventures. He remains active in philanthropy through the AD99 Foundation, which supports underserved youth, and he’s dipping his toes into acting with auditions and on-camera training.
He even hinted at a dream co-star for a future buddy cop film—someone who might actually rival his size and stature.
The Torch Has Been Passed—Sort Of
In his first full offseason as a retiree, Aaron Donald proved he still sets the standard in L.A.—and not just by reputation. Jared Verse got a firsthand look at what made Donald special for a decade: unmatched work ethic, intimidating strength, and a competitive fire that never retires.
Verse may be the future of the Rams’ defense, but if this offseason taught him anything, it’s that legends don’t fade easily. Especially when they’re still benching 500 in “retirement.”
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