Aaron Donald, one of the NFL’s greatest defensive players, has announced his retirement with immediate effect.

The defensive tackle, who turns 33 in May, spent 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Los Angeles Rams franchise.

He helped them win the Super Bowl in 2022 and is one of three men to be named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year three times.

“Cheers to what’s next,” he said on X., external “Extending a big thank you to the Rams and all of the fans for your support.”

Donald hinted he was contemplating retirement during the Super Bowl run in 2022, before returning with the Rams, but his announcement on Friday came as a surprise.

NFL teams are currently in the free agency period and are beginning to shape their rosters for the 2024 season, which begins in September.