He played college football at California University of Pennsylvania, and signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent following the 2014 NFL draft.

His three interception returns for touchdowns made him the first Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference player to accomplish the feat in over 10 years.

On October 27, 2015, McDonald was waived by the Colts to make room on the active roster for Quan Bray.

[14] The Patriots signed McDonald to the active roster on November 26, 2015, after placing Aaron Dobson on injured reserve.

[17] On December 29, he was elevated to the active roster for the team's final game of the season after fullback Marcel Reece was suspended.

[18] On September 3, 2016, McDonald was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a conditional pick in the 2017 NFL draft.