Los Angeles Rams’ Braden Fiske On Plugging Void After Aaron Donald’s Retirement: ‘Big Shoes To Fill’

Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Braden Fiske wants to carve out his own legacy as he begins his NFL career.

The 24-year-old rookie will enter the season with high expectations as a high second-round draft pick. The former Florida State defensive tackle – who made headlines due to his standout performance at the NFL Combine – was selected with the 39^th overall pick after the Rams traded up from the 52^nd pick to draft him. Los Angeles parted ways with their No. 52 and No. 155 picks in the draft and a 2025 second-round pick in order to select Fiske – which obviously shows how much they valued him.

Not only does Fiske have to live up to that trade value, he’s also tasked – along with second-year man Kobie Turner and 23-year-old Bobby Brown – in replacing the recently retired Aaron Donald, who is considered the best defensive lineman of his generation. Donald won Defensive Player of the Year a record three times, went to the Pro Bowl during all 10 of his years in the league and was named an eight-time First-Team All-Pro selection.

Although there are big shoes to fill, Fiske isn’t too worried about the pressure and expectations that comes along with replacing the G.O.A.T.

“Big shoes to fill – we’re talking about the greatest ever. I’ve said it countless times – it’s the G.O.A.T,” says Fiske of Donald in an exclusive one-on-one interview. “I full-heartedly feel that way about him and we’ve had small conversations — that’s been cool. It is what it is. I don’t think you ever replace the G.O.A.T. I have to go out there and do what I do.”