Aaron Donald has built a strong reputation in the NFL as the defensive star of the Los Angeles Rams. But off the field, the athlete reveals a softer side, especially around his wife, Erica Donald.
The couple has kept their relationship mostly private since they first met when Erica started working for the Rams. Aaron proposed to Erica on her birthday, and together they raise a blended family, including their son and Aaron’s two children from a previous relationship. They are also expecting their second child together.
After Aaron and the Rams’ Super Bowl win in 2022, Erica expressed her admiration on Instagram, writing, “You are incredible—the most amazing father, husband, and human being. My built-in best friend.”
Graduated From Louisiana State University
According to her LinkedIn profile, Erica earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Public Relations from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. During her time as a student, she held a leadership role in the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and served as president of the Student Activities Board.
Aaron Proposed to Her Twice
The athlete proposed to Erica twice—first without a ring and then again with one. “He proposed the first time after four months of dating,” Erica shared with People (the TV Show!), explaining that he popped the question while they were on vacation, but didn’t have a ring at the time. “The second time, he did it on my birthday,” she added, before showing host Lilliana Vazquez one of the three bands he gifted her that day.
A Mom
Erica is a stepmom to Aaron’s children from a previous relationship, Jaeda and Aaron Jr. The couple welcomed their first son together, Aaric, in September 2021. She announced her pregnancy on Instagram on May 23, 2021, which was also Aaron’s 30th birthday. “I’m thankful you were given life 30 years ago today and blessed to create another with you,” she wrote. Aaric’s name is a blend of Aaron’s and Erica’s names.
Loves Aaron’s Thoughtful Gifts
Aaron is known for going all out with thoughtful and meaningful gifts for Erica. During their engagement, he presented her with a diamond-studded heart locket bracelet containing a childhood photo of her and her late brother inside. “That’s her guardian angel,” Aaron told jeweler Moe Diamonds.
He gave her the gift after sharing a montage video of her family, who couldn’t be there to celebrate her birthday.
“When we first started dating, I said, ‘I’m not emotional,’ but now I’m like, ‘I’m emotional,'” she shared in a video Aaron posted on YouTube. As she embraced her husband, she playfully remarked, “You always do this to me!”
Likes To Bake
While Aaron usually handles the cooking at home, Erica shared that she was getting ready to host a crowd for Super Bowl LVI by baking cookies and making football-shaped cake pops. “I’ve been making cookies for the past couple of weeks,” she told People (the TV Show!).
She even had custom cookies made with an image of a shirtless Aaron, although her husband wasn’t particularly excited about them. “He’s always like, ‘Erica, why?'” she joked.
Supports Aaron’s Mental Health
“If it weren’t for [Erica], I don’t know where I would be mentally,” Aaron told Sports Illustrated. The Rams star candidly discussed his blended family, which has presented its challenges. Being apart from his older children took a toll on Aaron, prompting him to request time off from the Rams to visit his kids in Pittsburgh.
“When I came home, I just wasn’t myself. If my kids’ situation isn’t in order, my world isn’t in order. Honestly, it has always been about [them],” he explained.
Erica has also been a source of support during Aaron’s career milestones. After the Rams won Super Bowl 2022, she shared a series of photos from their post-game celebration, writing, “Congrats on achieving greatness in your career, as you’ve surpassed it in your personal life. What a journey it has been to watch you not only return to the Super Bowl but to win it. You kept your promise, and we appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made and continue to make for your family. You are a true testament to the fact that hard work pays off. You couldn’t write this story any better. I love you forever! We’ve got your back always. Mr. World Champion! This is not the end.”
