NFL’s 11 best comebacks from retirement, ranked ahead of Aaron Donald’s Rams return

Here are the 11 NFL players who returned to the sport after spending significant time away, ranked ahead of Aaron Donald's Rams return:

11. Jason Witten, TE - Witten spent 15 years with the Dallas Cowboys before retiring in 2017 and returning to the field in 2019, catching 13 passes for 69 yards and 2 touchdowns in his final season.

10. Philip Rivers, QB - After retiring in 2020, Rivers was called back by the Indianapolis Colts to start after Daniel Jones was out with an injury. He made three starts, throwing for 544 yards and four touchdowns.

9. Steve DeBerg, QB - DeBerg first retired in 1993 after 18 years in the league. He was convinced to return by former coach Dan Reeves, who was now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. DeBerg started one game and played in eight others that year.

8. Reggie White, DT - White retired after the 1998 season, having led the NFL in sacks six times. He was convinced to return to the Carolina Panthers in 1999, starting all 16 games and recording 5.5 sacks.

7. Eric Weddle, S - Weddle retired after the 2019 season but returned for the 2021 NFL postseason, when the Los Angeles Rams needed a safety after Jordan Fuller's injury. He played in all four playoff games, including Super Bowl LVI.

6. Marshawn Lynch, RB - Lynch first retired during Super Bowl 50 but returned to the Oakland Raiders in 2016, serving as an offensive advisor. He later returned to the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, where he continued his career.