Recently, a retired NFL player went to court to request a restraining order against his stalker. His case is a good reminder that anyone can be a victim of stalking and needs a restraining order.

Stalking can occur in person, through mail, by phone, or over the Internet. It can involve threats. The common theme is that stalking undermines someone's sense of safety or their actual safety.

If you live in New Jersey and need a restraining order, the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team can help. We guide our clients through the restraining order process and help them regain their sense of safety. Call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

‘More Alarming and More Threatening'

As a defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, Aaron Donald was dominant on the field. He won a Super Bowl. He was named to the Pro Bowl every year he played. In his ten-year career, he was named Defensive Player of the Year three times.

Based on stereotypes, he's not the “type” who should need a restraining order. As his case shows, anyone can be a victim of a stalker.

Donald began receiving emails from a woman in 2020. She threatened his family members and sent packages to his children. She claimed she and Donald were married, only to file for divorce in early 2025.

In Spring 2025, Donald filed for a restraining order. The retired NFL player explained that recent messages had become increasingly alarming, including making threats against Donald's son.

The court initially granted Donald a temporary restraining order. In May 2025, the court extended that to a five-year restraining order. The order bars the woman from approaching or contacting Donald and members of his family.

Restraining Orders in New Jersey

New Jersey defines stalking as involving:

• Keeping continual or repeated physical or visual proximity to a person
• Following or observing a person
• Interfering with a person's property
• Repeatedly contacting them
• Conveying or implying threats

New Jersey limits restraining orders to individuals who share a family or other domestic relationship. Qualifying relationships include:

• A spouse or ex-spouse, including same-sex relationships
• A domestic partner
• A current or former household member
• A current or former romantic partner
• Someone with whom you share a child (or are expecting one)

In most cases, similar to Donald's, individuals will first get a temporary restraining order. These short-term orders are put in place before a hearing about a final restraining order. Temporary orders protect the victim while also giving both sides time to build their cases.

Final restraining orders remain in place until they are withdrawn, successfully appealed, or modified. While a restraining order doesn't appear on a criminal record, violating one may result in criminal charges. In addition, individuals may face criminal charges for actions related to a restraining order, such as stalking.

Defend Your Safety

Everyone deserves to feel safe. Anyone can be subjected to stalking, domestic violence, or other threats and require a restraining order.

The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team assists individuals throughout New Jersey with restraining orders. Call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.