WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. — This Sunday, as the Los Angeles Rams take the field at SoFi Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it won't just be another primetime matchup—this will be a night to honor the legacy of one of the most dominant players in NFL history: Aaron Donald.
From his historic tenure with the Rams to his continuing impact in the community, Donald’s legacy in Los Angeles is cemented, and this Sunday’s game will serve as a fitting tribute to everything he has meant to the franchise, the city, and the NFL.
The #Rams will honor Aaron Donald’s legacy throughout their Sunday Night Football game against the Buccaneers.
— Fredo Cervantes (@FredoCervantes) November 20, 2025
They will giveaway limited edition Aaron Donald bobbleheads to the first 60K fans.
Rapper @xzibit will be performing at Halftime at SoFi Stadium@sportingtrib pic.twitter.com/76qMp1EBxj
The festivities begin on Friday, November 21, with the inaugural fundraising event for the Aaron Donald 99 Foundation(AD99). “An Evening with Aaron Donald” will be hosted at SoFi Stadium, bringing together the Rams, the community, and donors to raise funds for the foundation’s mission of supporting underserved youth. As the first major event of its kind in Los Angeles, this is sure to set the tone for what will be an unforgettable weekend of celebration.
The Rams are pulling out all the stops to honor their eight-time All-Pro defensive lineman. The game will be a true spectacle, packed with events that fans and the Donald family will cherish for years to come.
The first 60,000 fans will be greeted at the gates with an exclusive Aaron Donald bobblehead, immortalizing his iconic presence alongside a mini goat in a 99 jersey—a tribute to the nickname that fans and teammates alike have bestowed upon him. After picking up their bobblehead, fans can line up for photos with a life-sized version of Donald’s likeness in the Upper American Airlines Plaza. The area will also feature special “99” pillar wraps, custom AD99 buttons, and face-painting stations, ensuring that Rams fans are decked out in true Donald fashion.
The pregame show will feature a unique painting created by world-renowned performance artist David Garibaldi, who will capture Donald’s essence in real-time, offering an artistic tribute to the man who changed the game. Fans can also visit The Equipment Room at SoFi Stadium to purchase limited-edition Aaron Donald memorabilia.
Halftime will be just as grand. The Infinity Screen will display a powerful video tribute to Donald’s career, celebrating his unparalleled dominance on the field and his enduring legacy in the hearts of Rams fans.
But that’s not all—USC’s Marching Band will take the stage, performing alongside none other than rapper and Rams superfan Xzibit. Together, they'll honor Donald by wearing “99” shirts and forming “G.O.A.T.” and “99” formations, creating an electrifying atmosphere as the crowd erupts in appreciation for one of the NFL’s greatest players.
The evening will also feature a special moment with the Watts Rams Youth Football Team. Donald has long been an advocate for youth sports in Los Angeles, and he’ll personally host these young athletes in “Section 99” to enjoy the game. The Section will include seats in Sections 234 and 235, where Donald’s influence continues to inspire the next generation of football talent. Prior to the game, Donald will be joined by fellow Rams legends for a turkey giveaway, ensuring that his impact extends far beyond the field.
Donald Reflects on His Career and Life After Football
At a press conference on Wednesday, Donald reflected on his journey with the Rams, from his first days in Los Angeles to the relationships he’s built within the locker room. The 34-year-old spoke fondly of his time with the team and the close bond he’s formed with the younger players on the roster.
“I feel like LA adopted me,” Donald said, as he reflected on his decade-long career in Los Angeles. “My two youngest kids are being raised here. So, LA’s home too.”
When asked about the current state of the Rams, Donald expressed his confidence in the team's potential, noting, “I think the Rams are the top dogs right now... They’re the best team in the NFL right now.”
Even in retirement, Donald continues to stay involved with the young players on the team. He frequently reaches out to rookies like Kobie Turner and Jared Verse, offering his insight and mentorship. “I try to stay connected, whether it's watching film or offering advice. I want to see these guys succeed,” Donald shared.
While Donald’s achievements speak for themselves, his impact on his teammates is just as significant. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, had nothing but praise for the legendary defensive lineman.
"Obviously, on the football field, he was just as dominant as you could be," Stafford said. "Whether that was practice or in games, he forced the hand of the offense more than any player probably I've ever played against or really with." Stafford also acknowledged Donald's character off the field, calling him a "class human being" who "represents all that's right with the NFL."
As the Rams continue their 2025 campaign, the presence of Aaron Donald looms large—not just as a former player, but as a guiding figure for the team and the city. His legacy is not only defined by his countless sacks and defensive dominance, but by his contributions to the community and his leadership in shaping the Rams’ culture.
This Sunday’s celebration is just one chapter in a legacy that will endure for generations. Whether it’s the children in the Watts Rams program or the current crop of players on the field today, Donald’s impact will be felt long after he hangs up his cleats.
For Rams fans, this Sunday will be more than a game. It’s a chance to say thank you to one of the greatest to ever wear the blue and gold and to witness a celebration of a career that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in NFL history.