Former Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu Reacts to Aaron Donald Retiring, "You Sir, Are an Absolute Savage"
The NFL world woke up to the news that legendary Los Angeles Rams DE Aaron Donald is retiring. This has naturally sent shockwaves through the league, and many outpourings of support have flooded social media.
Despite being divisional rivals, many players who have faced Donald at any point in their careers have posted tributes to one of the greatest to ever play. One of those players is former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu. Tatupu honored Donald with a heartfelt and hilarious message on the Take 12 Podcast.
"A lot of thoughts, emotions, and a little PTSD came flooding through my brain when I read the news. Got a lot of text, and had no idea what was going on. I thought we had acquired somebody, but really I had two reactions: the immediate reaction, which was 'Holy f****** s***, Seahawks, We are back, baby!' We are back. And then the honest reaction was, I'm a little sad because this is one of the greatest players that ever put on an NFL uniform."
via Lofa Tatupu, Take 12 Podcast
Tatupu had the same reaction that most people had. It's sad to see such a great player hang up his cleats. Donald was on another level, and the NFL will sorely miss him.
His other reaction about the Seahawks being back makes total sense too. The Seahawks are in the same division as the Rams, and losing Donald will certainly alter the defensive output of the team.
"One of only three players here, Lawrence Taylor, J.J. Watt to win the Defensive Player of the Year three times. Absolutely incredible. And yeah, so my message is, 'Thank God' is the immediate response. And then the honest response is. Aaron Donald, it was a privilege to watch you play this game. You, sir, are an absolute savage."
via Lofa Tatupu, Take 12 Podcast
Donald was a phenom on the defensive side of the ball. He won DPOTY three times, which is more than perennial defenders Lawrence Taylor and J.J. Watt won. There will never be another like Donald.
Time will tell if the Seahawks can take the division from the Rams, but at least they won't have to face Donald twice a year now.
James Brizuela has been a professional writer since 2019. After covering entertainment and the NFL for Sportskeeda, he now works as an Assignment Desk Editor for the LA Sports Report Network which has partnered with the Sports Illustrated FanNation Network, focusing on his expertise in LA sports at the college and professional level.