Los Angeles Rams Star Puka Nacua Reflects on Short Time With Aaron Donald

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver was only with Aaron Donald for one season, but the franchise legend was able to leave his mark.

Oct 22, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) reacts / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams had a number of rookies step up big this past season, and those guys were able to be on the same team as Aaron Donald for one season before he decided to hang them up.

In a recent episode of The Rush with Maxx Crosby, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was a guest on the show, and he talked about some of his experiences as a rookie this past season. One of the things he talked about was his impressions of Donald from the brief time he had with the legend.

Oct 22, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) reacts / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

"I look back at some of those moments and think whether I took it for granted... cause it's already gone," Seeing somebody for a long time in his routine and being out there before all of the walk-throughs... It was cool watching all of the defensive line bond as a group, but also watch him as a leader and being able to follow because this is the standard that has been set."

Kobie Turner was another one of the rookies who made a huge impact on the team this past season, and he was a big reason why the defense surprised a lot of people. There is no denying that having Donald as a mentor in your first NFL season will have a lasting impact on Turner and make him better in the long run.

As for Nacua, he says that seeing someone compete at that level and gain that level of respect is "inspring." From what the star wide out did in his first season, he could very well be on his way to receiving a similar level of respect.