Aaron Donald ‘Hated Tom Brady For 3 Years’ After Rams 13-3 Loss to Patriots in Super Bowl 2019

Aaron Donald reveals his intense emotions following Super Bowl LIII loss, including a three-year grudge against Tom Brady and the heartbreak of disappointing his daughter.

Dev
Written by Dev , Writer
Published on Jul 17, 2024 | 07:27 PM IST | 65.7K
Aaron Donald reveals his emotions following Super Bowl LIII loss, including a three-year grudge against Tom Brady.
Aaron Donald and Tom Brady (Getty Images)

In a revealing interview on the Pivot podcast, former Los Angeles Rams defensive powerhouse Aaron Donald shared the emotional turmoil he experienced following the team's devastating 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. 

The defeat not only left Donald grappling with professional disappointment but also struck a personal chord, leading to a three-year grudge against Tom Brady and a heart-wrenching moment with his young daughter.

Aaron Donald opens up about Super Bowl LIII

Donald, known for his fierce on-field presence, showed a vulnerable side as he recounted the aftermath of the 2019 Super Bowl loss. 

"That broke my heart, I ain't gonna lie," Donald admitted. "Losing that Super Bowl, I ain't gonna lie. I was down for like two months. I hated Tom Brady for like three years... I was mad!"

The eight-time first-team All-Pro selection explained that the loss carried extra weight due to a promise he had made to his daughter. 

Donald had assured her of a Rams victory, envisioning a joyous celebration on the field amidst falling confetti. The reality, however, was far from this dream scenario.

"I remember walking off the field, seeing my daughter sad," Donald shared, his voice heavy with emotion. The sight of his tearful daughter in the stands hit Donald hard, leaving him with a profound sense of having let her down and broken a promise.

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This personal dimension added layers to the professional disappointment, making the loss even more difficult to process for the defensive lineman. 

Tom Brady in the crosshairs of Aaron Donald

In the wake of the loss, Donald found himself harboring resentment towards Tom Brady, the Patriots' quarterback who led his team to victory in what turned out to be the lowest-scoring Super Bowl in NFL history. 

Despite Donald and the Rams' defence putting up an exceptional performance, Brady's experience and composure proved decisive.

Brady completed 21 of 35 passes for 262 yards, securing his sixth Super Bowl ring. This victory, while cementing Brady's legacy, became a source of frustration for Donald, fueling a three-year period of animosity towards the legendary quarterback.

Aaron Donald's redemption at Super Bowl LVI

Donald's story, however, didn't end with the 2019 defeat. Three years later, he found himself back on the Super Bowl stage, this time emerging victorious as the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI.

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This win not only secured Donald's place in NFL history but also provided a measure of personal redemption. 

The victory allowed him to fulfil the promise he had made to his daughter years earlier, turning a painful memory into a moment of triumph and joy.

"Everything played out like a storybook ending," Donald reflected. "It was tough, but I found a way to get it done and got to experience it."

Donald's journey from Super Bowl heartbreak to ultimate victory mirrors his exceptional career trajectory. 

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year retired in March 2023, leaving behind a legacy that includes 10 Pro Bowl selections and a Lombardi Trophy.

Aaron Donald's candid revelations about his emotional struggle following the Rams' Super Bowl LIII loss to the Patriots offer a compelling narrative of disappointment, resilience, and ultimate triumph. 

His three-year grudge against Tom Brady and the heartache of seeing his daughter's tears highlight the deep personal impact of professional defeats. 

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Donald's subsequent Super Bowl victory with the Rams in 2022 not only capped off a stellar career but also provided a poignant moment of redemption, allowing him to fulfil a long-held promise to his daughter and find closure on a painful chapter in his career.

ALSO READ: ‘When Tom Brady Takes Your Job’: NFL Fans Hilariously React to Greg Olsen Looking Completely Trashed at Christian McCaffrey’s Wedding

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About The Author
Dev
Dev
Writer

Devang Watkar aka Dev is a print and broadcast journalist with a relentless passion for storytelling. Known for a

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