Aaron Donkor

Aaron Donkor
No. 93 – Calgary Stampeders
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	March 21, 1995 (age 29); 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
	Düsseldorf Panther (2016); Seattle Seahawks (2021–2022)*; Houston Roughnecks (2023); Arlington Renegades (2023); Calgary Stampeders (2023-present);
	* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:	Suspended
CFL status:	International
Career highlights and awards
	XFL champion (2023);
	Stats at Pro Football Reference

Aaron Donkor (born March 21, 1995) is a German-French professional American football linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). 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 and education

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.^[9] He was released on June 15, 2023.^[9]

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]

References

^ ^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 (25 June 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 2023-07-05.