Aaron Donald Day proclaimed in Pittsburgh
Aaron Donald Day was proclaimed Friday in Pittsburgh, as the city recognized the hometown football star for his contributions to the community and Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams.
Donald becomes emotional at ceremony: Click the video above to watch him accept the proclamation.
Becoming tearful as he accepted the proclamation, the former Penn Hills High School and University of Pittsburgh standout said, "This is just bigger than what I ever thought could happen."
Donald was joined by his family at the ceremony in City Council chambers.
"I didn't think I was going to cry, but this is real, so I appreciate it," Donald said.
Mayor Ed Gainey presented the proclamation, saying Donald's success on and off the football field can inspire others to pursue their dreams while also giving back.
"It started with football, but football blessed me to do so much more, motivate so many others," Donald said. "To be here now, receiving this in my city, it's just crazy."
Below is the full text of the Aaron Donald Day proclamation.
WHEREAS, Aaron Donald is a native son of the city of Pittsburgh and grew up in the Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar Neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Aaron Donald was a stand-out athlete at Penn Hills High School, was selected first-team All-State Class AAAA in each of his final two seasons, and was rated the 37th best defensive tackle in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Choosing to stay close to home, Aaron went on to play football at the University of Pittsburgh and was named an All-Big East selection, a 2013 recipient of the NCAA's Outland Trophy for top interior linemen, a 2013 Lombardi Award recipient, a 2013 Bronko Nagurski Trophy recipient. and was recognized as a unanimous All-American; and
WHEREAS, Aaron Donald is a Super Bowl champion, eight-time Pro Bowl selection, seven-time All-Pro selection, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and current defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams; and
WHEREAS, Wanting to impact lives earlier and with more lasting results, Aaron launched AD99 Solutions in 2019 to prepare Pittsburgh's underprivileged youth for life-long success; and
WHEREAS, the mission of AD99 Solutions is to change the trajectory of Pittsburgh's most vulnerable youth by providing necessary resources in a free, safe environment where they can be empowered to excel academically, socially, and athletically.; and
THEREFORE, I, Ed Gainey, Mayor of the city of Pittsburgh, do hereby proclaim March 4, 2022, as AARON DONALD DAY in the city of Pittsburgh. I encourage everyone in Pittsburgh to learn more about Aaron Donald and take inspiration from him to pursue your dreams, work hard, and always remember to give back to the community.