He played college football for the Houston Cougars and was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.

At Hastings High School in Alief, Texas, Avery was a First-team All-District selection as both a wide receiver and return specialist as a senior.

In 2007 Avery led the Cougars with a career-high 91 catches for school and conference season records of 1,456 yards (16.0 average) and seven touchdowns.

The Carroll Rosenbloom Award for St. Louis Ram Rookie of the Year went to receiver Donnie Avery after the 2008 NFL season.

Avery became the first non-first round pick to earn the honor since linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa in 2003.

In the third preseason game of the 2010 NFL season against the New England Patriots, Avery was carted off the field with a knee injury.

In week 4 of the 2014 season against the New England Patriots, Avery was removed in the fourth quarter with a possible groin injury.