A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Don Carey graduated from Norfolk State University, before becoming the first NSU football player drafted into the NFL in the Division I era. Over his 10-year professional career, Carey received many awards for accomplishments on the field and in the community. Among these was the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, presented by the Detroit Lions.

Following his retirement from the NFL, Carey founded The Don Carey REECH Foundation Inc., which uses sports as a catalyst to connect with and educate students about careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

In 2017, Carey published his first book, It's Not Because I'm Better Than You, which shares his personal story and the principles he and others have used to achieve success.

In 2018 Carey received Norfolk State University's Graduate of the Last Decade award and, in 2019, was inducted into the NSU Athletic Hall of Fame. He continues to serve the community of Chesapeake, sitting on various boards and participating in several organizations that spearhead positive change across the city. Carey was elected to Chesapeake City Council for a four-year term commencing July 1, 2020.

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