NFL legend and Super Bowl LVI Champion Aaron Donald may be retired from the game, but he’s far from done making an impact—especially for the next generation of athletes.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
NFL legend and Super Bowl LVI Champion Aaron Donald may be retired from the game, but he’s far from done making an impact—especially for the next generation of athletes.
Donald and his wife Erica created the AD99 Solutions Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth from underserved communities. Through educational, arts, and athletic initiatives, the foundation helps foster growth, opportunity, and long-term success.
Most recently, AD99 hosted the Aaron Donald Elite Camp at the Los Angeles Rams practice facility—a one-of-a-kind experience giving young athletes a rare opportunity to train with one of football’s most dominant forces. The event welcomed high school linemen from the graduating classes of 2026 to 2029, as well as middle school flag football players (boys and girls) currently in 6th through 8th grade.
“This is more than just a camp—it’s about building a mindset,” said Donald. “We’re here to push these kids, help them grow, and give them tools they can carry with them on and off the field.”
From NFL Greatness to Giving Back
Donald’s NFL résumé speaks for itself: 10 stellar seasons, three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year, eight All-Pro honors, 10 Pro Bowl selections, and a Super Bowl title. His career stats—543 tackles, 111 sacks, 176 tackles for loss, and 24 forced fumbles—are the stuff of legend.
Raised in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar neighborhood, Donald attended Penn Hills High School and later the University of Pittsburgh. He knows firsthand the power of sports to uplift and inspire.
Now based in Los Angeles, Donald continues to support the local community, including partnerships with the Watts Rams and WalkUnited LA. His foundation’s mission reflects that same dedication.
Camp Highlights and Standouts
The energy at the elite camp was undeniable. Tauveay Howard, a sophomore defensive lineman at Redwood High, captured the mood best:
“This is one of the best events I’ve been to—and I’m not even finished yet!”
Other standouts included Anthony Pignatello, a senior defensive end at Serra High, who impressed coaches with his aggressive style and leadership. Donald called him the “big dog” of the group. Pignatello, recently offered a scholarship to UC San Diego, has his sights set on First Team All-League honors and leading his team to the playoffs.
Among the younger attendees was Eli Sabbah, a multi-talented sophomore at Taft High in Woodland Hills.
“I want to upgrade my skills,” said Sabbah, who also plays piano, trombone, and guitar. He plans to study engineering in college.
Also on hand was Coach Bryon Dovales, a former standout at Muhlenberg High and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he earned First Team All-PSAC honors. Dovales, who once trained under Donald himself, brought intensity and insight to the camp.
“Aaron was tough on us, and that’s how he is with these players—it makes you better,” said Dovales, who now coaches at Pittsburgh’s Central Catholic High School.
On social media, he added:
“Young linemen need more than hype. They need structure, foundation—they need to be built.”
Community Support Grows
The camp also drew support from key sponsors. Raising Cane’s donated $100,000 to the AD99 Foundation just days before the event. DICK’S Sporting Goods contributed $10,000.
“This is an exciting moment,” said Deanna Holland of DICK’S. “There’s no better person to support than Aaron. The AD99 Foundation is one of the most caring organizations for young people anywhere.”
Donald may be slimmer than his 270-pound playing days, but he looked just as fierce. At one point, he pulled up his shirt to reveal a still-ripped six-pack—much to the delight of the campers.
With his foundation and his heart, Aaron Donald continues to prove that true greatness goes far beyond the field.