Aaron Donald Is Still Inspiring NFL's Next Generation

The legacy of what Aaron Donald did with the Los Angeles Rams continues to infect the league

Former Pittsburgh Panther and retired NFL defensive tackle Aaron Donald speaks at a press conference prior to the start of the Pittsburgh Panthers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on November 15, 2025. | Michael Longo / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. It seems that Aaron Donald's influence on the NFL has no limits as former Los Angeles Rams assistant Liam Coen uses Donald's impact to inspire championship effort from his players.

Jacksonville Jaguars defender Travon Walker is an interesting playmaker. A physically gifted player who has had his development hampered due to issues within the organization, he's finally getting the solid footing to build off his double-digit sack campaigns in 2023 and 2024.

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The number one overall pick in 2022, Walker is set to turn 26 this December. Just entering the physical prime of his life, Walker is set to explode in year five as his head coach uses memories of Aaron Donald to inspire greatness.

Coen Uses Donald To Inspire Walker

During Walker's end-of-season meeting, Coen used Aaron Donald as the example that Walker should emulate when setting his own standards for the rest of his career.

"It's just like taking my game to another level," stated Walker. "Obviously, he's seen Aaron Donald. He was on the team with Aaron Donald. So it just kind of helped put things in perspective for me to be able to just click it to a different type of mindset from how I was going throughout the year.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) and defensive end Travon Walker (44) pray before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Jets 48-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"And I feel like it really clicked [and] dawned on me that it's just time to ramp things up, take it to the next level."

Coen shared memories of what Donald used to do during his two stops with the Rams, using Donald's work ethic to display his vision for the type of player he believes Walker can become.

Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

"We literally had to take [Donald] out of practice in order for us to gain yards on offense," stated Coen. "And so if you want to get where you want to go and where we want you to go and where you can go, I need to be taking you out of practice so that we can operate on offense. I want that kind of destruction and mindset and mentality."

"Habits. Not talent. It's just habits. Elite habits, elite practice, preparation, game preparation, those habits and the way that you practice on a day-to-day basis."

Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers former defensive end Aaron Donald reacts as his jersey is retired in a ceremony during half-time of the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Walker has signed a massive, four-year extension, tying him to Jacksonville for the future, while Coen continues to develop a grossly underrated defense that is stacked on the line. Walker returns with Josh Hines-Allen, Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton (Ty Hamilton's brother), and others to build off Coen's inaugural campaign, where his team won the AFC South.