Donald Brown (running back) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Donald Brown

Brown with the Chargers in 2015
No. 31, 34
Position:	Running back
Personal information
Born:	(1987-04-11) April 11, 1987 (age 38) Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:	207 lb (94 kg)
Career information
High school:	Red Bank Catholic (Red Bank, New Jersey)
College:	UConn (2005–2008)
NFL Draft:	2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27
Career history
Indianapolis Colts (2009–2013) San Diego Chargers (2014–2015) New England Patriots (2016)*
Career highlights and awards
First-team All-American (2008) Big East Offensive Player of the Year (2008) First-team All-Big East (2008) Second-team All-Big East (2006) 2009 International Bowl MVP
Career NFL statistics
Rushing attempts: 695 Rushing yards: 2,829 Rushing touchdowns: 18 Receptions: 120 Receiving yards: 1,066 Receiving touchdowns: 2
Player stats at PFR

Donald Brown, born on April 11, 1987, is a former American football player. He was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons. He mostly played for the Indianapolis Colts. Before the NFL, Donald played college football for the UConn Huskies. He became their best runner ever and was named an All-American in 2008. The Colts picked him in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. He played five seasons with the Colts. His last two seasons were with the San Diego Chargers.

Early Life and High School Football

Donald Brown grew up in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. He went to Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank, New Jersey. There, he played football and ran track. In his final year of high school, Donald ran for over 2,000 yards. He also scored 27 touchdowns. He was a very good runner on the track team too. Experts thought he was one of the best running back players in the country. He chose to play college football at the University of Connecticut (UConn).

College Football Career at UConn

Donald Brown joined UConn in 2005. He became the best runner in UConn history. He gained 3,800 yards during his college career. After a fantastic junior year, he decided to join the NFL Draft early.

2006 Season: A Strong Start

In 2006, Donald started as a kickoff returner. He was also the second-string running back. In his first game, he ran for 118 yards. He even scored a 53-yard touchdown. Later that season, he became the main running back. In one game, he ran for 199 yards and scored two touchdowns. In another, he ran for 205 yards and scored three touchdowns. He finished the year with 896 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns. He was named to the All-Big East second team.

2007 Season: Facing Challenges

Donald had high hopes for his second season. But some injuries slowed him down. Another talented player, Andre Dixon, also emerged. Donald still ran for 821 yards and scored 8 touchdowns. He had two games where he ran for over 100 yards.

2008 Season: Breaking Records

Donald became the main running back for his junior year. He started the season with eight straight games where he ran for over 100 yards. Twice, he ran for over 200 yards in a single game. In one game, he ran for 214 yards in a heavy storm. He even gained all 25 yards for UConn in overtime.

He broke the UConn single-season rushing record. He gained 1,324 yards in just eight games. He then broke the all-time UConn rushing record. He passed Terry Caulley with a 49-yard touchdown run. Donald finished the regular season with 1,822 yards. This was the most rushing yards in the entire NCAA Division I FBS. He was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Year.

In January 2009, Donald played in the International Bowl. He ran for 261 yards and scored a touchdown. He finished the season with 2,083 rushing yards. This made him one of only 14 players in FBS history to run for over 2,000 yards in one season. After this amazing season, he decided to enter the NFL Draft.

College Statistics

Professional NFL Career

Donald Brown was seen as one of the best running backs in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Indianapolis Colts (2009–2013)

Brown with the Colts in 2010

The Indianapolis Colts picked Donald Brown as the 27th player in the 2009 NFL Draft. He was the first UConn Husky ever picked in the first round. He signed a five-year contract with the Colts. In his first preseason game, he ran for 58 yards. He scored his first NFL touchdown in September 2009 against the Miami Dolphins.

In December 2010, Donald had his first game with over 100 rushing yards. This helped the Colts win against the Jaguars.

He played more in the 2011 season. His best game was against the Tennessee Titans. He ran for 161 yards and scored an 80-yard touchdown. This long run helped the Colts get their first win of the season.

In 2012, injuries and another new player limited his playing time. He didn't have any 100-yard games that season.

In 2013, Donald became the starting running back for the Colts again. This was due to other players getting injured. He ran for 54 yards and a touchdown in his first start. He stayed the starter for the rest of the season.

San Diego Chargers (2014–2015)

In March 2014, Donald signed a three-year contract with the San Diego Chargers. He played with them for two seasons. He was released in October 2015 but re-signed two days later. The Chargers released him again in March 2016.

New England Patriots (2016)

In March 2016, Donald signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots. However, he was released by the Patriots in August 2016.

NFL Career Statistics