Earlier in the offseason, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse issued a challenge to franchise legend Aaron Donald. The 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year was feeling confident that he would be able to hop in the weight room with Donald who, despite retiring after the 2023 season, looks like he'd be able to play at his usual All-Pro level. While there has been no indication he'd return, Donald made sure to show Verse that they are not the same.
Jared Verse Nearly Called Police After Intense Aaron Donald Workout originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Earlier in the offseason, Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse issued a challenge to franchise legend Aaron Donald.
The 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year was feeling confident that he would be able to hop in the weight room with Donald who, despite retiring after the 2023 season, looks like he'd be able to play at his usual All-Pro level.
While there has been no indication he'd return, Donald made sure to show Verse that they are not the same. He shared multiple videos from the workout, which frequently showed Verse struggling or out of breath, while Donald seemed to be doing just fine.
When the 24-year-old Verse was asked about these workouts at Rams training camp on Friday, he revealed that he they were so difficult he asked Donald's wife to call the police.
"We go to the weight room, It's all arms, that's why he’s big as hell," Verse said. "We go to the weight room. It's eight different circuits. All arms, four sets each. I'm there for an hour and a half. His wife came in laughing at me. I told her to call the police. I'm dead serious. I'm not even joking. I'm dead serious. I told him to call the police. She wouldn't do it. I tried to lie and say my mom was at my house and I had to go let her in.
"He told me to give my keys to his management or assistant and that they would go let my mom in," verse added. "So I wasn't leaving. Finished the workout. I'm dead tired, I'm exhausted. I had a plan to go jump in the sauna afterwards, didn't happen. I had plans to watch film, didn't happen. Went home and I didn't work out for another day and a half because I couldn't move my body.”
While it may have been a humbling experience for Verse, it may also be something that unlocks a new level for him in 2025.
The Rams came within a few plays of advancing to the NFC Championship in 2024, so there is still presumably some regret there. The team has also made a handful of moves, headlined by signing All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to make another run.
Although Donald may not be suiting up for them anymore, he may have just woken up a monster that could take over the NFL.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football