On April 16, 2025, the NFL’s official X account (@NFL) shared a jaw-dropping image that sent shockwaves through the sports community. The post, timestamped at 23:52 UTC, featured none other than Aaron Donald, the retired Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle, effortlessly handling 130-pound dumbbells in a gym. Captioned “AD moving 130-pound dumbbells with ease (via@AaronDonald97),” the image quickly became a viral sensation, racking up thousands of reactions and sparking a lively conversation among fans. Even in retirement, Donald continues to prove why he’s considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.
Aaron Donald’s career is the stuff of legend. Drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Rams in 2014, he spent a decade dominating the league, earning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards—a record for a defensive player—along with 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections and eight first-team All-Pro honors. His tenure with the Rams, which included a Super Bowl victory, solidified his legacy as a generational talent. After retiring following the 2023 season, many wondered if Donald would maintain the Herculean strength that made him a nightmare for offensive linemen. The X post answered that question emphatically: yes, he absolutely has.
In the image, a shirtless Donald is seated on a gym bench, gripping two massive 130-pound dumbbells with a focused intensity that mirrors his on-field demeanor. The setting appears to be a professional gym, likely one he frequents to maintain his elite physique. The sheer size of the weights is staggering—most gym-goers would struggle to even lift a single 130-pound dumbbell off the ground, let alone use it for a workout. A Quora thread on the topic notes that while the average person might be able to pick up such a weight, performing a productive exercise with it is a feat reserved for the exceptionally strong. Donald, it seems, is still in a league of his own.
AD moving 130-pound dumbbells with ease 💪
— NFL (@NFL) April 16, 2025
(via @AaronDonald97) pic.twitter.com/wDQ8qXjbKz
The X post ignited a flurry of reactions, ranging from awe to humor. Fans marveled at Donald’s strength, with user@BRAX7ONFL commenting, “Jalen Ramsey being traded to LA and Donald coming out of retirement will feed families for years to come,” alongside a meme of a man casually eating chips, captioned “Looks so easy.” Others, like
@KoolHand_Luke89, posted a meme with the text “I CAN DO THAT TOO,” poking fun at the unrealistic confidence of casual gym-goers. However, not all reactions were purely celebratory. Some users, such as
@keiths_pencil, speculated about the authenticity of the weights, joking, “Not the fake weights ,” while
@LaddersHQ quipped, “Yea but how proficient is he with Microsoft Excel?”—a humorous nod to Donald’s singular focus on physical dominance.
Interestingly, the post also sparked confusion among fans due to the “AD” moniker. Many initially mistook Aaron Donald for Anthony Davis, the Dallas Mavericks power forward also known as “AD.” User
@MaddoxxSilas humorously exclaimed, “Holy shit what did the Mavs do to Anthony Davis,” accompanied by a GIF of a chaotic celebration scene. The mix-up is understandable—Davis, who recently dropped 34 points in a game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 3, 2025, shares the same nickname and athletic prominence in the NBA. The crossover confusion highlights the unique challenge of shared initials in the sports world, but it also underscores Donald’s ability to command attention across fanbases.
The viral moment also reignited discussions about Donald’s potential return to the NFL. A reply from @HatsuneBarry included a screenshot of a comment by Jalen Ramsey, Donald’s former teammate, saying, “mannnn a comeback would be legendary,” which garnered 529 likes. Fans and analysts alike have long speculated about a Donald comeback, especially given his continued physical peak. While he’s given no official indication of returning, this display of strength certainly fuels the fantasy for Rams fans.
Aaron Donald’s 130-pound dumbbell moment is more than just a viral post—it’s a testament to his enduring legacy. Retirement hasn’t dulled his edge; if anything, it’s given him a new platform to inspire and amaze. Whether he’s lifting weights or lifting the spirits of NFL fans, Donald remains a force to be reckoned with.
