The Packers Packer, Donald Driver

Donald Driver kissing the Super Bowl XLV Trophy.

     I understand, as a fan of 20 years, that there have been a large number of athletes who have played for the Packers.  Many of them have transcended the love and respect of the packer fan base and well beyond.  I don't feel a need to name names because that's not what I am trying to do here.  Right now I want to pay homage to one man only.  His contribution to the game and more specifically our franchise in my humble opinion has been immeasurable.   

     Donald Driver has never been known for his baditude.  He is not a player you will ever read about in the tabloids for a late night club fight, or domestic dispute.  He's never been tagged a diva, and  he's not known to be one that cries when he doesn't get his way.  In a day when it's rare to find a true model athlete, Donald Driver is truly one of a kind.  

     I'm going to throw out two names to see if they ring any bells.  Aaron Brooks and Dee Miller.  I wouldn't be too surprised if you knew who Aaron Brooks was, but what you may not know is both of these guys were wide receivers selected by the Packers in the same draft and before Donald Driver.  He was the Packers final and 213th overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft and believe it or not through a compensatory pick from the Chicago Bears.  If there was ever a reason to be thankful to the Chicago Bears...for anything.

He is the longest tenured player still playing for the Green Bay Packers who was not drafted by Ted Thompson.  He is one of only 29 players from that draft class to be selected to the Pro Bowl at least once.

     His journey through the NFL is not a likely story, and perhaps that's what makes it so special.  His appreciation for what he has and what he's accomplished is obvious to everyone who has ever seen him play.  I can honestly say I have never seen him without a smile on his face.  His unmatched work ethic and veteran leadership has earned him incredible respect from all the players on his team.  During a preseason game earlier this year, when he was still recovering from injuries, they showed him going over poloroids with Desmond Moses, an undrafted rookie linebacker, on the sideline.  Can't say I've seen a lot of wide receivers in their 14th year in the league helping an overwhelmed kid trying to make the cut on defense.  That's what you get with Driver.  That's what makes him such a compelling individual.

     I have a pretty good idea that we have seen the last of Donald Driver as a player so I wanted to do something to commemorate his accomplishments.  Both as a player and a man.  I hope from the bottom of my heart that this is just the first chapter in a life that has brought joy to so many.

 Driver being Driver.

 Dancing with the stars

 Kicking Chicago's Butt, business as usual.

 A well deserved piece of jewelry.

   Remember this catch, I do. The textbook definition of YAC!

Thanks for all the memories Donald, not sure what we're gonna do when your gone.