Downing joined the Rams after three years on the Minnesota Vikings’ coaching staff. Downing interned in the Vikings’ public relations and research and development departments prior to working on the coaching staff.

In 1999 and 2000, Downing worked on the coaching staff of Eden Prairie High in suburban Minneapolis, helping his alma mater to the Minnesota Class 5-A state title in 1999. From 2000-02 during the summers, he played quarterback for the Minnesota Maulers, a semi-pro football team.

Downing, a native of Eden Prairie, Minn., earned his degree in business communications from the University of Minnesota in 2002 and lives with his wife, Julie, in St. Peters, Mo.