49ers DE Nick Bosa says former Rams superstar ‘did it the right way’

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Los Angeles Rams this weekend, one player the Niners don’t need to worry about is Aaron Donald. The future Hall of Famer was a force along the Rams defensive line for a decade before opting to retire following last season. During his media availability this week, 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa was asked to reflect on Donald’s career. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year was effusive in his praise for Donald.

“Dominant,” Bosa said. “And he did it the right way. He was the best in the game for 10 years and then called it and got out healthy. That’s what everybody’s dream is, so. It’s been fun to watch him, but I mean we’re glad we don’t have to play him anymore.”

Donald played in 18 games against the Niners during his career, wreaking plenty of havoc upfront. In those regular-season matchups, Donald racked up 77 tackles, 33 quarterback hits, 12.5 sacks, and forced three fumbles. Despite that production from Donald, the Rams only went 5-13 against San Francisco during his career. Granted, Los Angeles came out on top in their lone postseason matchup en route to their Super Bowl victory in 2022.

It’s probably not too advisable to read a lot into the soft-spoken Bosa’s comments, but it’s worth wondering if the former second overall pick sees Donald’s willingness to step away from the field before he was relegated to a secondary role as something he hopes to emulate. Bosa has already encountered several injuries during his career and is slated to have well more than $100 million in career earnings when his current contract is set to expire. Maybe he’s open to stepping away from the game before he reaches his mid-30s as well.