The University of Pittsburgh retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald’s No. 97 jersey at halftime of their game against Notre Dame at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday.
Donald, who played at Pitt from 2010 to 2013, received a huge ovation from the fans as he entered through the tunnel, embraced his family, raised his framed jersey and watched the unveiling of his retired number:
Pitt also shared a video of Donald reflecting on his time as a member of the Pittsburgh Panthers football team before embarking on a legendary NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams:
The 34-year-old Donald is only the 11th football player to ever have his number retired by the University of Pittsburgh.
He joined other legends such as quarterback Dan Marino, running back Tony Dorsett, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and tight end Mike Ditka.
Over his tenure at Pitt from 2010 to 2013, Donald registered 181 tackles, 29.5 sacks, 66 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles.
As a senior in 2013, Donald finished with 59 tackles, 11 sacks, 28.5 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. He was a unanimous All-American, was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy and Bill Willis Trophy.
Donald went on to be selected 13th overall by the Rams in the 2014 NFL draft.
As dominant as Donald was in college, he arguably enjoyed an even better NFL career. Although he played only 10 seasons from 2014 to 2023, Donald undoubtedly established himself as a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Donald racked up 543 tackles, 111 sacks and 176 tackles for loss, earning 10 Pro Bowl nods, eight First Team All-Pro selections, three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and one Super Bowl win.
He retired at the conclusion of the 2023 season, and his jersey retirement at Pitt is the first of many accolades Donald will receive in the coming years.
