When it comes to football legends, Aaron Donald is one of the greats of the game. He also had a hand in shaping the Rams‘ future off the field too? In the world of NFL coaching, sometimes the players also need to be ok with the coach. For Sean McVay, that crucial play came in the form of a meeting with the Rams’ defensive leader, Aaron Donald.

On Chris Long’s “Green Light” podcast, McVay reminisced how he became the Rams’ head coach. “I remember when I was interviewing for the job I went over when it was basically like if you don’t sh*t yourself you’re gonna get the job,” McVay chuckled. But the real test was getting the nod from Donald.

The young coaching met Donald at the Four Seasons, alongside Reggie Scott. McVay relived that day when he met AD99: “He’s looking at like hey this guy’s going to be the head coach. I got to see this to believe it,” nerve-wracking but potentially career-defining.

Donald, true to his no-nonsense style, didn’t sugarcoat his expectations. He emphasized the need for “consistent accountability across the board.” This meeting laid the foundation for a partnership that would reshape the Rams’ fortunes. Taking them to the Super Bowl LVI victory in 2022.

McVay’s relationship with Donald would prove crucial as he recently revealed at the NFL coaches’ breakfast, “We have such a good relationship, I knew the whole year. Or, at least I had a sense,” about Donald’s retirement plans. Their relationship’s foundation was trust and accountability.

Aaron Donald’s touchdown for accountability even when nature calls

Fast forward to McVay’s rookie season as head coach. The defense’s Wednesday huddle was set for 8 AM sharp. But on this particular morning, the Rams’ defensive anchor was late.

Thirty seconds later, Donald walked in. When quizzed about his whereabouts, he didn’t try to evade or lie. He said that he was using the bathroom. McVay continued “He was taking a shit!”. McVay continued “He made me fine him when he was taking shit.”

McVay thought he’d give his star a free pass. But Donald, living up to his high standards, told the coach, “Oh no you fine me, man. I gotta be accountable to that,” he insisted.

This wasn’t just talk – it was Donald walking the walk, even if that walk was from the restroom. As McVay put it, “He never did anything that he didn’t ask of somebody else.” It’s this leadership quality that separates the Pro Bowlers from the benchwarmers.

Donald’s commitment extended beyond the locker room. His teammate Cooper Kupp recently revealed that the Rams are keeping Donald’s locker open “if he ever wants to come back.” This gesture speaks volumes about Donald’s impact on the team, both on and off the field.

In the end, Donald proved that true leadership isn’t about being perfect – it’s about owning your mistakes, even when they’re as basic as nature’s call. It’s this mindset that helped him rack up 111 sacks, and 176 tackles for loss, and change the game as we know it.