Los Angeles Rams superstar Aaron Donald talks to next generation at Simi Valley High

Before he was a Super Bowl champion, Aaron Donald was a high school football player beginning to dream big.

"I was just getting started," he says with a smile. "I was starting to see the importance of hard work. My father would get up at 4:30 a.m. to help with my workouts. I had to learn how important it all was."

All these years later, Donald is a nine-year standout defensive tackle with the Los Angeles Rams, eight-time Pro Bowl selection and record three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

His two quarterback pressures were the game-cinching plays in the Rams' victories in the most recent NFC Championship Game, vs. the San Francisco 49ers, and Super Bowl LVI, against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Donald has never forgotten his roots. He acknowledges lessons learned as a youthful football player that has fueled all the success since, and is happy to share insights with what he calls "the next generation."

On Wednesday, the beneficiaries were members of the Simi Valley High football team.

Donald accepted the invitation of coach Jim Benkert to address the Pioneers, who learned just the night before that the Rams star widely accepted as the top defensive player in the NFL would be visiting. A little disbelief set in for the players, but then Donald indeed stepped foot on campus and addressed the Pioneers before their afternoon practice.

"He's huge," said Simi Valley standout defensive end Carson Mott, who recently committed to the University of Colorado. "What he does on the defensive line and how he is able to dominate is amazing. He's tossing offensive linemen around like dolls."

Over 100 Pioneers were on hand for Donald's talk in the Simi Valley High gym. Though Benkert had tried to keep news of Donald's visit mostly quiet to avoid a turnout frenzy, this is a high school campus.

"People are showing up who I have no idea who they are," the coach said.

Before addressing the Pioneers, mostly in an informal face to face without a microphone, Donald took time to talk to The Star for a few minutes.

He said he reaped lessons as a high school player at Penn Hills High in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that stuck.

"I learned discipline, the value of a strong work ethic and building close bonds with my football teammates that last forever," he said. "These helped me in college (University of Pittsburgh) and in my years in the NFL."

Among Donald's biggest priorities off the field is his AD99 Solutions Foundation, aimed at helping underserved youth in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He also seeks to reach out to high school players whenever asked.

"That's important to me because this is the next generation," he said. "These are the players who play the game that's been so important to me. Whatever I can do to help them, I will try to do.

"I don't mind talking to the kids. I could do it all day."

Donald achieved his dream at becoming a Super Bowl champion with the Rams' 23-20 victory over the Bengals on Feb. 13 at SoFi Stadium. Training camp will soon start the grind of another season, and Donald is clear with his motivation.

"Another ring," he said with a wide smile.

Donald's talk to the Pioneers imparted lessons of hard work and discipline. He also understands that few players will move onto college football, much less the NFL.

"Play football for the fun, but always remember to stay focused on the books," he said. "The classroom is what is most important. Apply yourself to your goals and don't let anybody tell you want you can or can't do. High school is so important because you're building yourself up in the classroom while playing the game you love."

Donald said he wasn't highly recruited out of high school and learned to thrive in college despite his status as "an undersized lineman."

"I kept working hard and never listened to what others were saying," he said.

Donald also said he's never prioritized individual success.

"My goal has always been to win a Super Bowl, and that's why this season was so special," he said. "It was my second Super Bowl, and the first one didn't end how we wanted (a 13-3 loss to New England in SB LIII). I told myself I wasn't going to lose again. Every thing I did this season was to get that victory."

Ultimately, team success comes down to players delivering and leading, Donald said.

"It's not enough for the coaches to lead," he said. "It's up to the players to pick everyone up around them and become a leader. Everyone has to step up. Every player has to lead."

At talk's end, Donald plopped himself down in the middle of the players in the gymnasium stands. Phone cameras popped. Pioneer football players will no doubt long be talking about the day AD visited.

Loren Ledin is the Prep Editor for The Star. He can be reached at loren.ledin@vcstar.com or 805-437-0285.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Rams star Donald offers advice to next generation at Simi Valley