Aaron Donald family: Meet all his kids from his wife Erica and ex Jaelynn Blakey (Image 1 via Instagram, Image 2 via New York Post: Aaron Donald and Erica Donald, and Donald with Jaelynn Blakey and their kids)
The Los Angeles Rams lost their first game of the 2026 NFL season in Aaron Donald’s absence, then suffered a second loss even with the star defensive tackle back in the lineup. Donald had initially come out of retirement in 2026 after the Rams traded for Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. The 35-year-old defensive tackle is married to Erica Donald, and they share two sons, with a third baby reportedly on the way, according to MLFootball. Aaron Donald and his wife, Erica, welcomed their first son, Aaric, in September 2021. The couple welcomed their second son in 2023, whose name has not been publicly disclosed. They are currently expecting their third child together, according to a September 2026 post by MLFootball on X. His children have been by his side for the biggest milestones of his career, including his emotional 2022 Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams. In a 2022 Sports Illustrated interview, Donald spoke openly about how much they meant to him and why he was considering walking away from the game. Aaron Donald ultimately retired in March 2024, stating that his passion for football was no longer there. I will always love football, but to think about going through camp and going through another 17 [game] season… I’m satisfied with what I was able to do in 10 years. I think it’s time for me, at 32 years old, to retire from football and just [step] into the next step of my career and my life. Ten years, 10 Pro Bowls. Cut to present, after missing the intensity of the gridiron for two seasons, Donald made a highly anticipated return to the NFL in 2026. They called me this morning at least 20 times.
Because Jaeda and Aaron Jr. spent most of their time in Pittsburgh, the distance took a heavy emotional toll on him. Eight All-Pros, three Defensive Player of the Years, Defensive Rookie of the Year, two NFC championships, three NFC West championships, went to two Super Bowls, won one, lost one.
“I’m thinking about my kids, first, always,” he said. “I’m complete, I’m full,” Donald said via CBS Sports at the time. “It means everything,” Donald said after a Week 2 win against the New York Giants.
A meme about Donald is now circulating online, joking that he “should have stayed in the house. Amid the intense media attention surrounding his return to the gridiron, less attention went to the constant rock behind the three-time DPOY: a family that played a crucial role in his life and career. Donald also has a daughter, Jaeda, and a son, Aaron Jr., from a previous relationship with Jaelynn Blakey. Donald also shares his two oldest children, daughter Jaeda and son Aaron Jr., with his former partner, Jaelynn Blakey. His oldest children, in particular, strongly influenced how he viewed the demands of an NFL career and shaped his thoughts about retirement. “People who know me understand why. Why the honesty? Why now? I’m a guy that shows my truth. Donald admitted that being apart from them put him in a “mentally bad place. “I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me. I just don’t have the urge to want to push myself to do that anymore. Donald continued, “I’m burnt out, if anything. The best way to say it is that I’m full. I’m complete. It’s time to move on. Speaking with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge, he opened up about how much his children supported his comeback. “They’ve been excited. They were just ready to see daddy play football. To see my family here supporting me, it made it that much better. Now, let’s go back in time and talk about how Erica met Aaron… Erica Donald [nee Sherman] has a strong background in sports management, having studied sports marketing and community relations.
She served as the vice president of athlete partnerships at Game 1 and later as an executive for Kanye West’s Donda Sports, an agency Aaron Donald signed with in May 2022. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines However, the couple cut ties with the agency just five months later in October 2022 following Kanye West’s antisemitic remarks. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
In a joint statement released at the time, they stated: “The recent comments and displays of hate and antisemitism are the exact opposite of how we choose to live our lives and raise our children. She began her career in the NFL working for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before moving to the Los Angeles Rams, where she worked in community affairs and player involvement. The Rams organization ultimately brought Erica and Aaron together. they eventually began dating Although their professional introduction did not turn romantic immediately. Aaron actually had to propose twice: the first time was just a few months into their relationship during a vacation, though he did not have a ring. He later proposed a second time – with a ring – on Erica’s birthday, and the couple later married in a private ceremony. After working directly for the NFL, Erica transitioned into sports marketing and executive roles. We find them to be irresponsible and go against everything we believe in as a family. She also remains heavily involved with the AD99 Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating athletic and academic opportunities for underserved youth. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Today, Erica manages key aspects of Aaron’s marketing strategy and co-owns the Donald Development Group.