He is best known for setting the Illinois single-game scoring record with 53 points at Indiana on February 16, 1963.

Downey earned the 1963 Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor for excellence in both academics and athletics.

He was drafted into the NBA in 1963 by the San Francisco Warriors; however, he never played a game in the league.

Downey was elected to the "Illini Men's Basketball All-Century Team" in 2004.

When asked about this accomplishment, Downey simply said, "It was only a matter of time until Kevin Rhodes broke my record."