Pitt retiring Aaron Donald's No. 97 jersey next month

Field Level Media|published: Mon 22nd September, 12:47 2025

Nov 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Aaron Donald (97) reacts after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Heinz Field. PITT won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pitt will retire three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald's No. 97 jersey during the Nov. 15 game against Notre Dame.

Athletic director Allen Greene announced the honor on Monday for Donald, an All-American defensive lineman who won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award in 2013 with 28.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.

Donald, 34, will be the 11th Panthers player to have his number retired, a group that includes Pro Football Hall of Famers Dan Marino (No. 13), Tony Dorsett (No. 33) and Mike Ditka (No. 89) as well as future Canton resident Larry Fitzgerald (No. 1).

"It's hard to put into words what it means to have my jersey retired," said Donald, who retired from the NFL in March 2024 after a decorated 10-year career with the St. Louis and Los Angeles Rams.

"Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I'm grateful to the University of Pittsburgh for taking a chance on me when so many others wouldn't. I accomplished more in my career than I ever dreamed of, and for that I'm truly blessed. To soon see my number hanging alongside other Pitt greats is an honor beyond measure. I will always love this University. Hail to Pitt!"

The Rams selected Donald with the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He made 10 Pro Bowls and earned eight first-team All-Pro selections while helping the Rams win a Super Bowl in 2022.

He recorded 29.5 sacks, 67 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles in 51 games at Pitt from 2010-13, also earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior.

"Aaron Donald is a proud Pittsburgher who embodies the very best of what it means to be a Pitt Panther," Greene said. "His humility, determination, and work ethic reflect the character of this community. Retiring his jersey honors not only an extraordinary athlete, but a leader whose relentless pursuit of excellence has defined his legacy. This recognition serves as a lasting tribute to his historic career and a permanent reminder of the standard he set and the impact he made at Pitt."

--Field Level Media