The beast is back: Aaron Donald turns Rams comeback into a Hollywood homecoming

For the past two years, Aaron Donald existed only in Rams fans’ memories. The image of Donald pointing to his ring finger after sending the Rams to the Super Bowl.Holding up not one, not two, but three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.

His shirtless speech at the parade, and hugging his teammates with tears in his eyes as blue-and-yellow confetti fell from the sky. Well, on Monday night inside a sold out SoFi Stadium, all those memories came running out of the tunnel. Donald waited until the Rams’ real home opener against the New York Giants to officially end his nearly three-year retirement, skipping the Week 1 trip to Australia and saving his comeback for the bright lights of Monday Night Football.  The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Prior to kickoff, Donald was the final Rams player reintroduced to the 73,773 fans at SoFi, as he emerged from the tunnel to a roar that felt like the bass dropping at a welcome-home party.

No.99 jerseys dotted the stands.

Fans held signs that said “The beast is back!” Thousands of supporters chanted “AD! AD!” Everyone got caught up in the excitement and electricity of it all. Even the Rams reigning MVP and starting quarterback. “I was so juiced,” Matthew Stafford said of Donald’s introduction.“He came running out of the tunnel and I couldn’t control myself.

I was freaking hyped.”So was Donald.“I did a little bit more jumping than I usually do,” Donald said with a laugh.“I kind of hyped myself up a little bit, man.

It felt good.”With the vibes high, Donald had to do the difficult part of knocking the rust off and playing football again. Admittedly, Donald wasn’t the human demolition crew Rams fans remember from his prime.But anyone expecting the 35-year-old to spend his first nigh...