A dynamic multi-sport athlete, Don Latimer, contributed greatly to Fort Pierce Central High School’s basketball, football, and track & field programs. In football, he became a stand-out, two-way player at the tight end and defensive end positions. In 1971, Latimer led his team to the school's first and only FHSAA Football State Championship by scoring the first touchdown in the game on a fumble recovery.
 
During his high school football career, Latimer was named First Team All-State, selected as All-American, won the Golden Helmet, and eventually was named Top 100 Greatest Football Players in Florida (2007) by the TCPalm. Additionally, he finished third in the 220-yard dash at the FHSAA Track & Field Finals and averaged 10 points and 15 rebounds per game in basketball.
 
Latimer went on to play football for the University of Miami, where he still holds the school record for most sacks at the nose guard position. His tenure at Miami brought many accolades such as player of the game numerous times and First Team All-American. In 1978, he received the Iron Arrow Award and later was inducted into the University of Miami Football Hall of Fame (1999).
 
In 1978, Latimer was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He became a candidate for Rookie of the Year and was ranked one of the best Defensive Lineman in the league. One of his thrills was defensive lineman's dreams, scoring an NFL touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in 1980.