Last Updated on November 3, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Aaron Donald is an American football defensive tackle best known for his outstanding career with the Los Angeles Rams. Born on May 23, 1991, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Donald has become one of the most accomplished defensive players in NFL history. Beyond his football achievements, he is a husband, father of four children, and a devoted family man.
Aaron Donald’s family includes his wife, Erica Donald, his four children, his parents, Archie Donald Jr. and Anita Goggins, and his two older siblings, Archie Donald III and Akita Donald. His family has played an important role in his personal life and professional success.
Aaron Donald’s Wife: Erica Donald
As of now, Aaron Donald is married to Erica Donald, formerly known as Erica Sherman. Erica is a sports marketing professional and businesswoman who has supported Donald throughout his football career.
Erica attended Louisiana State University, where she studied mass communication and public relations. She previously worked in community affairs and player involvement for the Los Angeles Rams, joining the organization in 2015.
The couple met through their connection to the Rams organization and eventually developed a romantic relationship. Aaron proposed to Erica twice. His first proposal came during a vacation after approximately four months of dating, while his second proposal took place on her birthday.
Although they have publicly acknowledged their marriage, the couple has kept the details of their wedding private.
Erica has also been involved in managing Aaron’s marketing activities and business interests. She is associated with the Donald Development Group and the AD99 Foundation, which supports young people from underserved communities.
Before his relationship with Erica, Aaron Donald was involved with Jaelynn Blakey, his former high school sweetheart. The former couple share two children, Jaeda and Aaron Jr.
Aaron Donald’s Children
Aaron Donald is the father of four children: Jaeda Donald, Aaron Donald Jr., Aaric Donald, and a younger son whose name has not been publicly confirmed.
His two oldest children are from his previous relationship with Jaelynn Blakey, while his two younger sons are from his marriage to Erica Donald.
Jaeda Donald
Jaeda Donald is Aaron Donald’s eldest child and daughter. She was born in 2013 and is the daughter of Aaron Donald and Jaelynn Blakey.
Jaeda has shared memorable moments with her father throughout his football career. Aaron has spoken about how much his daughter means to him and how difficult it was to spend extended periods away from her because of his professional commitments.
In particular, Donald discussed how Jaeda’s school schedule made it increasingly difficult for her to travel between Pittsburgh and Los Angeles.
Aaron Donald Jr.
Aaron Donald Jr., also known as A.J., is Aaron Donald’s eldest son. He was born in 2016 and is the second child from Donald’s previous relationship with Jaelynn Blakey.
Like his older sister, A.J. spent much of his childhood in Pittsburgh while his father pursued his NFL career in Los Angeles.
Donald has publicly discussed his desire to spend more time with both Jaeda and A.J., explaining that fatherhood remains one of his biggest priorities.
Aaric Donald
Aaric Donald is Aaron Donald’s son with his wife, Erica Donald. He was born in September 2021.
His name combines elements of his parents’ first names, Aaron and Erica, making it a meaningful choice for the couple.
Aaric’s arrival marked an important moment in the Donald family’s life. During the 2021 NFL season and the Rams’ subsequent Super Bowl victory, Aaron frequently expressed how important his growing family was to him.
Aaron Donald’s Youngest Son
Aaron Donald and Erica Donald also welcomed another son following Erica’s pregnancy announcement in April 2023.
In August 2023, Rams head coach Sean McVay publicly mentioned that Donald was expecting a baby soon. Subsequent reporting and family photographs have confirmed that Aaron and Erica have two sons together.
However, the couple has not publicly disclosed their youngest son’s name or full birth details in the available reliable reporting.
Aaron Donald’s Parents
Aaron Donald was born to Archie Donald Jr. and Anita Goggins. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his parents encouraged discipline, hard work, and responsibility.
Although his parents divorced when Aaron was approximately eight years old, both remained involved in his life and supported his football ambitions.
Aaron Donald’s Father: Archie Donald Jr.
Archie Donald Jr. is Aaron Donald’s father and one of the most influential figures in his athletic development.
A former powerlifter, Archie introduced Aaron and his older brother to weightlifting at a young age. He established a home gym in the family’s basement in Pittsburgh, which became an important part of Aaron’s physical preparation.
As a teenager, Aaron regularly trained with his father, sometimes beginning workouts before five o’clock in the morning.
These early training sessions helped Donald develop the strength, discipline, and work ethic that later became defining characteristics of his NFL career.
Aaron Donald’s Mother: Anita Goggins
Anita Goggins is Aaron Donald’s mother. She played an important role in raising Aaron and his siblings in Pittsburgh.
Anita has spoken publicly about Aaron’s dedication to his children and his motivation to achieve success for his family.
In an NFL interview published before Super Bowl LVI in 2022, Anita recalled how disappointed Aaron’s daughter Jaeda had been after the Rams lost Super Bowl LIII in 2019.
Despite divorcing Aaron’s father, Anita maintained a supportive relationship with him, and both parents continued attending their son’s football games.
Aaron Donald’s Siblings
Aaron Donald has two older siblings: his brother, Archie Donald III, and his sister, Akita Donald. Both have been involved in family initiatives and have supported Aaron throughout his career.
Archie Donald III: Aaron Donald’s Brother
Archie Donald III is Aaron Donald’s older brother and a former American football player.
He played college football as a linebacker at the University of Toledo and pursued opportunities in professional football.
Growing up, Archie III and Aaron trained together in their father’s basement gym. Their shared interest in athletics helped strengthen their relationship and encouraged Aaron’s competitive mindset.
Archie III has also been involved with Aaron’s charitable foundation, including work supporting donor relationships and fundraising activities.
Akita Donald: Aaron Donald’s Sister
Akita Donald is Aaron Donald’s older sister. She has played an important role in his charitable activities and community outreach.
Akita served as executive director of the AD99 Solutions Foundation, an organization established to support children and young people from underserved communities, particularly in Pittsburgh.
Her involvement reflects the Donald family’s commitment to supporting their hometown and creating opportunities for young people.
Aaron Donald’s Relationship With His Family
Family has consistently been one of Aaron Donald’s biggest motivations. Despite his demanding football career, he has repeatedly emphasized the importance of being present for his children and maintaining close relationships with his parents and siblings.
In a 2022 interview with Sports Illustrated, Donald explained that the distance separating him from his two oldest children had been emotionally difficult.
His wife, Erica, has also been an important source of support, helping him balance professional responsibilities with fatherhood.
The Donald family’s involvement in charitable work has further demonstrated their close connection, particularly through initiatives designed to improve opportunities for young people in Pittsburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aaron Donald’s Family
Who is Aaron Donald’s wife?
Aaron Donald’s wife is Erica Donald, formerly Erica Sherman. She is a sports marketing executive and businesswoman.
Does Aaron Donald have a girlfriend?
As of now, Aaron Donald is married to Erica Donald rather than publicly dating a girlfriend.
How many children does Aaron Donald have?
Aaron Donald has four children: Jaeda Donald, Aaron Donald Jr., Aaric Donald, and a younger son whose name has not been publicly confirmed.
Who is the mother of Aaron Donald’s first two children?
Jaelynn Blakey, Aaron Donald’s former partner, is the mother of his two oldest children, Jaeda and Aaron Jr.
Who are Aaron Donald’s parents?
Aaron Donald’s parents are Archie Donald Jr. and Anita Goggins. Both played important roles in his upbringing in Pittsburgh.
Does Aaron Donald have siblings?
Yes. Aaron Donald has two older siblings: Archie Donald III, his brother, and Akita Donald, his sister.
Is Aaron Donald’s brother a football player?
Yes. His older brother, Archie Donald III, played college football as a linebacker at the University of Toledo.
What does Aaron Donald’s sister do?
Akita Donald has worked in charitable and community outreach initiatives, including serving as executive director of the AD99 Solutions Foundation.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
