Donald Brown attended Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, New Jersey, where he played football and ran track. During his senior season, Donald rushed for 2,032 yards and 27 touchdowns. Donald was considered one of the top three running back prospects available in the draft. He was drafted with the 27th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Donald became the first Connecticut Husky ever to be picked in the first round of an NFL Draft. Donald would play five seasons with the Colts: two seasons with the Chargers, would sign with the Patriots this year, but injury would lead to his release.

Donald also serves as an Athlete Ambassador for Natural High, a national nonprofit 501(c)3 drug prevention program that inspires youth to discover, amplify and pursue their natural high so they have a reason to say no to drugs and alcohol. In his other charitable work, Donald is involved with the International Justice Mission (IJM). IJM is a worldwide non-profit that is fighting to abolish global modern-day slavery. Currently, he also works as an Academic Coordinator and Student-Athlete Development at San Diego State University.