Aaron Donkor Explained

Aaron Donkor
Current Team:Rhein Fire (ELF)
Position:Linebacker
Birth Date:21 March 1995
Birth Place:Göttingen, Germany
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lb:240
College:NMMI (2016–2018)
Arkansas State (2019–2020)
Undraftedyear:2021
Cfldraftyear:2021G
Cfldraftround:3
Cfldraftpick:21
Pastteams:
Highlights:
Statleague:NFL
Statlabel1:Games played
Pfr:DonkAa00
Status:Suspended
Cflstatus:International

Aaron Donkor (born March 21, 1995) is a German-French professional American football linebacker for the Rhein Fire of the European League of Football (ELF). He played college football for Arkansas State and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as part of the International Player Pathway Program in 2021.

Early life

Donkor was born on March 21, 1995, in Göttingen. He grew up in Göttingen playing basketball, before later going to Düsseldorf to play professional football in 2016. In 2017, Donkor moved to United States to play college football. He spent his first two years at New Mexico Military Institute, appearing in eight games as a freshman.[1] As a sophomore, Donkor recorded 27 tackles, despite playing just four games. He also made 11.5 sacks that season.[1] He transferred to the Division I Arkansas State University as a junior in 2019. Playing in six games, Donkor made 25 tackles.[2] The 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19.

Professional career

Düsseldorf Panther

As a 21-year-old in 2016, Donkor played professional football in Germany's top league for the Düsseldorf Panther. He led the German Football League that year with 14 sacks, 74 tackles, and 20 tackles-for-loss.[2]

Seattle Seahawks

In 2021, Donkor was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as part of the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP).[3] [4] Though 26 years old as a National Football League (NFL) rookie, he "made a strong impression" in training camp.[5] He was placed on the international/exempt list to start the season. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Seahawks on January 10, 2022.[6]

On August 28, 2022, Donkor was waived by the Seahawks and re-signed to the practice squad.[7] [8]

Houston Roughnecks

Donkor signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL on February 28, 2023.[9] He was released on March 27, 2023.[9]

Arlington Renegades

Donkor signed with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL on April 14, 2023. He was released on June 15, 2023.

Calgary Stampeders

On July 2, 2023, Donkor was signed by the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL. He was placed on the Suspended List the same day.[10]

Rhein Fire

Donkor signed with the Rhein Fire of the European League of Football in 2024.[11]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Aaron Donkor - 2019 - Football. Arkansas State University.
  2. Web site: Impressive numbers earn Germany's Aaron Donker a spot in the NFL International Player Pathway Program. January 2, 2021. American Football International.
  3. Web site: Former Red Wolf Aaron Donkor participating in Seahawks minicamp. Chris. Hudgison. www.kait8.com. 25 June 2021 .
  4. Web site: Could international player Aaron Donkor be more than a project for the Seahawks?. May 18, 2021. The Seattle Times.
  5. Web site: German LB Aaron Donkor Making Strong First Impression With Seahawks. www.seahawks.com.
  6. Web site: Seahawks Sign 12 To 2022 Future Contracts. Boyle, John. Seahawks.com. January 10, 2022.
  7. Web site: Seahawks Place Tre Brown On Reserve/PUP; Waive Four Players. Boyle, John. Seahawks.com. August 28, 2022.
  8. Web site: Seahawks Sign 12 To Practice Squad. Boyle, John. Seahawks.com. August 31, 2022.
  9. Web site: XFL Transactions . XFL.com . March 28, 2023.
  10. Web site: Transactions - Football Player Trades and Signings . 2023-07-05 . CFL.ca . en.
  11. Web site: Rhein Fire sign former German Seattle Seahawks pro Aaron Donkor . ELF . 1 August 2024.