A Show of Appreciation for Donald Driver: A True Professional and Better Human Being

Drafted as a seventh round pick in 1999 out of Alcorn State on a team with receivers like Bill Schroeder, Antonio Freeman, Desmond Howard, and athletic Corey Bradford, who would have thought that "Quickie" would turn into the Packers idol that he is now? While I admit he isn't my favorite player, I would be lying if I told you he wasn't my favorite person on the team. His story, commitment to the team, and durability throughout his years are all just a part of what made him so hard not to root for.

Among the receivers drafted ahead of Driver in the 1999 draft, he had the longest career and is only second in receiving yards to Torry Holt. He also only missed four games throughout his ENTIRE career.

Here's a few Donald Driver moments that I and many of Packer nation all will remember for a while:

2007 NFC Championship















Beast Mode vs. 49ers

Dancing with the Stars: Swag.















Aside from the glamorous moments that Driver spent in the national spotlight. Any resident of Wisconsin or Packer fan can quickly attest to his community involvement and philanthropy. His charity softball event that took place just last weekend raised a record $200,000 for the Donald Driver Foundation, which gives money to homeless families throughout Wisconsin. When asked if he is going to continue hosting the event, he said, "I would love to keep it forever.  I think the fans miss retired players as well as they see the current.  They're trying to know the current players, but they do miss the veteran guys." 
When asked about his retirement plans, he said, "I'm ingrained right here in Wisconsin.  I'm not going anywhere, this is my home and it will always be." 
How great is that? On top of declining contracts with other teams and saying he would only sign with the Packers, he is committed to staying in Green Bay. After having someone we never imagined leaving in Brett Favre, Donald Driver is exactly the type of retirement story that Packer fans needed. He never puts himself on a pedestal and is always gracious and courteous. A true role model. 
While Quickie may not make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he deserves unending recognition for the role model he has become to underprivileged families and aspiring football players. Donald Driver is most certainly a lock to make every Packer fan's Hall of Fame. He even just a few days ago had Green Bay street named after him as "Donald Driver Way."
Give him a street, a statue, a Nobel Peace Prize, a building, hell, name a city and your next child after him. He deserves all the recognition anyone could ever give.
That Donald Driver smile, year to year consistency and dependability, and class on and off the field are what make every Packer fan appreciate you so much, Quickie. Thanks for everything and we look forward to having you around in the community for years to come.