University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Football Retired Jerseys
Aaron Donald
- Position:
- DL
- Years at Pitt:
- 2010-13
- Hometown:
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- High School:
- Penn Hills
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation and in college football history, Aaron Donald became the 11th Pitt player to have his jersey retired when it happened at halftime of the Panthers’ contest against Notre Dame on Nov. 15, 2025.
“It’s hard to put into words what it means to have my jersey retired,” Donald said. “Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I’m grateful to the University of Pittsburgh for taking a chance on me when so many others wouldn’t. I accomplished more in my career than I ever dreamed of, and for that I’m truly blessed. To soon see my number hanging alongside other Pitt greats is an honor beyond measure. I will always love this University. Hail to Pitt!”
A Western Pennsylvania native, Donald starred at Penn Hills High School, twice earning first-team All-State Class AAAA honors before enrolling at Pitt in 2010. He was an immediate contributor for the Panthers and, over the next four seasons, compiled an incredible 66 tackles for loss—the most by an FBS interior defensive lineman (and fourth overall regardless of position) since the NCAA began tracking the statistic in 2000.
As a senior in 2013, Donald was an unstoppable force. He led the nation with 28.5 tackles for loss and added 11 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a blocked extra point. At season’s end, Donald was named a unanimous first-team All-American and captured the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Outland Trophy, and Rotary Lombardi Award, making him one of the most decorated players in Pitt history.
The ground floor of Pitt’s Duratz Athletic Complex was renamed the “Aaron Donald Football Performance Center” in 2019 following a seven-figure gift Donald made to the Pitt Football Championship Fund. His donation—the largest ever by a Pitt football letterman—continues to support facility improvements, recruiting, technology, and student-athlete development.
“It was a dream come true to play for the University of Pittsburgh,” Donald said at the time. “My experience as a Panther is something that influences my life every day, and I want to pay that forward. Pitt will always be my school, and I’m honored to be able to support the Blue and Gold.”
Selected by the Rams in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft (13th overall), Donald more than delivered on the lofty expectations placed on a top draft choice. Over 10 professional seasons, he became one of only three players in league history to win three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. Donald was one of just six unanimous selections to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and helped lead the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl LVI, where he sealed the championship by smothering Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow on the final play of a 23–20 Los Angeles win.
Beyond football, Donald founded the AD99 Solutions Foundation, which prepares Pittsburgh’s underprivileged youth for lifelong success by providing access to quality education, nutrition, and community involvement.
