Donald Driver officially retired from the Green Bay Packers and the NFL today with ceremony and press conference at Lambeau Field.
With more than 1,000 fans in attendance, Driver took the podium after Larry McCarren, president Mark Murphy, GM Ted Thompson, coach Mike McCarthy and governor Scott Walker, who proclaimed today Donald Driver Day.
After thanking Packers management and coaches, friends and family, Driver gave his final shout out to the fans.
“Last but not least, to the fans, I want to thank you all for the love, the joy, the tears.”
“This day is not just for me. This day is for you. Twelve years ago, I signed my first big contract with the Packers and I promised you all that I would never wear another uniform. So today, we make that official. I keep my promise to you.”
Solid until the end, that guy.
As you might expect, the event was fairly, uh… uneventful. You got the obligatory highlight package, people talking about what Driver meant to the organization and the state of Wisconsin and then Driver thanking the people in his life.
Driver didn’t give away much about his future plans, if he’s made any.
Perhaps the most noteworthy announcement was that the city will be refurbishing the receiver statue outside of Titletown Brewing so that it’s a statue of Driver. If you’re old enough, you’ll remember the receiver statue was originally located outside the Packers Hall of Fame when it was in the Brown County Arena.
Take note Brett Favre. Great Packers retire as Packers. Driver was a first class individual and one of the greatest WR in franchise history. Wish McCarthy would have let him play that final drive vs. SF.
Great guy, he’ll be missed.
^5
Driver displayed the same class, as he has always done, since the 1st day he put on a Packer uniform. I look forward to the ceremony’s of Driver being put up in the Ring of Honor. and being inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame, both well deserved. I doubt there is 1 Green Bay Packer fan, that doesn’t feel 100% pride and respect for Donald. I’d like to remind people, of another Packer that left the team with class. That player was Aaron Kampman, who iv’e met and talked to and even let me buy him a beer.. He took out full page ads in major Wisconsin newspapers, thanking the team and all the fans for their support. Its refreshing to see stand up guys like these 2, actually show respect and appreciation to the Green Bay Packers and their fans….Well done men.
Al Harris is another!!
Wasnt drafted as a Packer but a Packer for life!
Also put out a full page add in Wis Paper
One can only hope that the youth of our organization have learned from guys like DD.
And, really hope DD stays a part of the Packer family. A truly Great member of the community!
Agree About kampman and Harris thet were class acts too
The old Packers Hall of Fame was “in” the Brown County Arena??? Those of us old enough to remember know whoever wrote this is a fucking idiot and a fraud.
Technically in front of the arena, not inside it, but minor difference, I believe.
Donald Driver will forever be the man.
A Pro. All class. Toughness and hard work, and always a smile on his face.
Also, BTW, one of the most underrated players ever. Easily one of the most dangerous open field WRs I’ve ever seen.
I’m pretty sure that statue is of a white guy. Time to paint it black!