Aaron Donald was all smiles during his annual football camp Saturday afternoon.
The former Penn Hills, Pitt and Los Angeles Rams standout hosted his fifth annual “Living in the Pocket Skills” football camp for players ages of 6 to 18 at Highmark Stadium.
There was a different feeling from Donald this time around. The superstar defensive lineman announced his retirement in March, and, with more time on his hands without the duties of OTAs, minicamp and training camp, he said he can be even more active in his community.
“I got my own development company that I started with my brother and my wife, DDG (Donna Development Group),” he said. “Our first project is in Wilkinsburg on Hunter Street, and we have 38 units we’re working on for affordable homes.”
Donald said being around the young players at the camp every year is an honor for him.
“That opportunity to, you know, just mentor them in a positive way means a lot to me,” Donald said.
During his illustrious Rams career, Donald accumulated three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, won Super Bowl LVI and had 111 total sacks. Last year, he played 16 of 17 games and had eight sacks.
As soon as the drills started Saturday, Donald roamed around the field trying to check in with all of the campers at their different stations.
Numerous other former and current NFL stars joined Donald, including former Central Catholic and Pitt standout Damar Hamlin and former Steel Valley and Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch.
Batch said he loves helping Donald at his camp.
“Of course, everybody around here loves Steelers nation. But when you have a guy who’s born and raised here, went to Pitt, and comes back and does a lot of great community events, it’s great to support a guy like that,” Batch said.
Batch also understands that for the players attending the camp, all it takes is one thing to realize how special you can be at football.
“It starts with a dream,” he said. “You have some kids out here that want to become professional athletes, and what better way to learn from the guys who have been there and done that in future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald himself.”
Another honor could be coming Donald’s way soon. Last week, he was placed on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame.
“It’s an honor, you know, and a blessing to even be mentioned and to have the opportunity to even be a College (Football) Hall of Famer. I’m just blessed,” Donald said.
That feeling was a common one from Donald who appeared relaxed and easy going as he walked around the camp, taking pictures with campers and others who wanted to talk to him.
It’s might be a start to his retirement but also the continuation of his dedication to his community.
