Aaron Donkor (born March 21, 1995) is a German 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.
| Rhein Fire (ELF) | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | March 21, 1995 Göttingen, Germany |
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight: | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College: | NMMI (2016–2018) Arkansas State (2019–2020) |
| CFL draft: | 2021G / round: 3 / pick: 21 |
| Undrafted: | 2021 |
| Career history | |
| |
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Roster status: | Suspended |
| CFL status: | International |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Early life
editDonkor was born on March 21, 1995, in Göttingen to Ghanaian parents.[1] 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.[2] As a sophomore, Donkor recorded 27 tackles, despite playing just four games. He also made 11.5 sacks that season.[2] He transferred to the Division I Arkansas State University as a junior in 2019. Playing in six games, Donkor made 25 tackles.[3] The 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19.
Professional career
editDüsseldorf Panther
editAs 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.[3]
Seattle Seahawks
editIn 2021, Donkor was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as part of the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP).[4][5] Though 26 years old as a National Football League (NFL) rookie, he "made a strong impression" in training camp.[6] 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.[7]
On August 28, 2022, Donkor was waived by the Seahawks and re-signed to the practice squad.[8][9]
Houston Roughnecks
editDonkor signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL on February 28, 2023.[10] He was released on March 27, 2023.[10]
Arlington Renegades
editDonkor signed with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL on April 14, 2023.[10] He was released on June 15, 2023.[10]
Calgary Stampeders
editOn July 2, 2023, Donkor was signed by the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL. He was placed on the Suspended List the same day.[11]
Rhein Fire
editDonkor signed with the Rhein Fire of the European League of Football in 2024.[12]
References
edit- ^ "Rhein Fire sign former German Seattle Seahawks pro Aaron Donkor | ELF". europeanleague.football.
- ^ a b "Aaron Donkor - 2019 - Football". Arkansas State University.
- ^ a b "Impressive numbers earn Germany's Aaron Donker a spot in the NFL International Player Pathway Program". American Football International. January 2, 2021.
- ^ Hudgison, Chris (June 25, 2021). "Former Red Wolf Aaron Donkor participating in Seahawks minicamp". www.kait8.com.
- ^ "Could international player Aaron Donkor be more than a project for the Seahawks?". The Seattle Times. May 18, 2021.
- ^ "German LB Aaron Donkor Making Strong First Impression With Seahawks". www.seahawks.com.
- ^ Boyle, John (January 10, 2022). "Seahawks Sign 12 To 2022 Future Contracts". Seahawks.com.
- ^ Boyle, John (August 28, 2022). "Seahawks Place Tre Brown On Reserve/PUP; Waive Four Players". Seahawks.com.
- ^ Boyle, John (August 31, 2022). "Seahawks Sign 12 To Practice Squad". Seahawks.com.
- ^ a b c d "XFL Transactions". XFL.com. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
- ^ "Transactions - Football Player Trades and Signings". CFL.ca. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
- ^ "Rhein Fire sign former German Seattle Seahawks pro Aaron Donkor". ELF. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
Further reading
edit- Smith, Corbin K. (May 15, 2021). "Brimming With Enthusiasm, Aaron Donkor Quickly Finding His Way With Seahawks". Sports Illustrated.