Drafted in the second round (32nd overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia, Ray Donaldson arrived in Baltimore initially ticketed for interior depth. But by his second season in 1981, "Bulldog" earned the starting nod at center, breaking historical ground as the first African-American starting center in NFL history. That barrier-breaking moment launched a stellar, decade-plus run as the unyielding anchor of the Colts' offensive line.

Donaldson was the ultimate model of durability and quiet leadership through a turbulent chapter in franchise history. He served as the primary pivot man during the team's overnight relocation from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984, becoming the undisputed engine of the offense. Combining dense functional strength with elite footwork, he carved out gaping lanes for dynamic backfield talents—most notably clearing the way for Eric Dickerson’s league-leading 1,659 rushing yards during the 1988 season.

Donaldson’s peak national recognition in horseshoe blue came in the late 1980s. Between 1986 and 1989, he was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls, earned Second-Team AP All-Pro honors in 1987, and helped lead Indy to an AFC East division crown and a playoff berth. His streak of 152 consecutive starts over a 10-year span highlighted a relentless work ethic that earned universal reverence from teammates and defensive linemen across the NFL.

He went on to spend two productive years anchoring the line for the Seattle Seahawks before experiencing a career renaissance with the Dallas Cowboys.