10-Time Pro Bowler Granted Restraining Order

July 7, 2025

Anyone can be the victim of a stalker or domestic violence incident. Retired NFL player Aaron Donald highlighted this recently when he filed for a restraining order against a woman who has been harassing him and his family since 2020.

While this case wouldn’t qualify for a PFA in Pennsylvania because the woman in question wasn’t a family member or roommate, his situation is a good reminder that anyone can be the victim of harassment and violence. Size and athletic ability aren’t protections against threats and harassment.

If you’re being harassed, threatened, or hurt by a family member, the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can help. We work with individuals and families throughout Pennsylvania to get PFAs and stay safe. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.

Escalating Messages and Threats

Aaron Donald played defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams for ten years. During that decade, Donald won a Super Bowl, was named Defensive Player of the Year three times, and was selected for the Pro Bowl every season. He’s considered one of the greatest defensive players of his generation and a likely inductee into the NFL Hall of Fame.

In 2020, a woman began emailing Donald and believed they were married. She sent threats to him and his family. She sent gifts to his children to a former address. In 2025, she filed for divorce, claiming she and Donald were married and requested a $6.5 million settlement.

The woman’s messages became increasingly erratic, and Donald filed for a restraining order. In April 2025, a judge granted a temporary restraining order. In May 2025, a judge granted Donald a five-year restraining order. The order requires the woman to stay at least 100 yards away from Donald and his family. She is also barred from contacting him.

PFAs in Pennsylvania

Donald’s case highlights that anyone can need a restraining order. PFAs and restraining orders aren’t about how tough a person is or how big they are. Anyone can be harassed and threatened, and a court order can be required to keep someone away.

Pennsylvania has multiple types of restraining orders. PFAs require one of the following relationships:

  • Married or divorced couples
  • Same-sex couples
  • Parents of the same child
  • Children
  • People related by blood or marriage
  • Current or former dating partners

Pennsylvania has emergency, temporary, and final PFAs. Emergency PFAs are generally issued outside of normal business hours and last until courts open.

Temporary PFAs are issued on a short-term basis, usually for a period of two weeks, ahead of a court date for a final PFA. Temporary orders give both sides time to collect evidence and find witnesses while offering protection to the victim.

In Pennsylvania, final PFAs are granted for up to three years. They can be renewed.

PFAs cover both physical and other contact. They generally bar third parties from contacting a victim, and online communication.

Protect Your Safety

Being a victim of domestic violence or being otherwise harassed or threatened by a loved one can be stressful and frightening. There’s no one type of domestic violence victim.

The LLF Law Firm Family Law Team assists individuals throughout Pennsylvania with the PFA process. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.

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