Green Bay Packer receiver Donald Driver officially left his professional football career today. He spoke before a crowd of 1500 fans at Lambeau Field today, the first time a Packer player held a retirement ceremony in front of the public.
Donald Driver wore the number 80 for 14 years. His whole pro-football career was spent with one team: the Packers.
The retirement was announced last week and fans lined up in sub-zero weather to get tickets to today’s standing room only event in the atrium of Lambeau Field. “You guys stood our in the cold to share this moment with me…you all are crazy.”
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Governor Scott Walker handed Driver a plaque in commemoration of Wisconsin’s Donald Driver Day. Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt announced that a city street will be renamed for Driver, and that an iconic statue outside a brew pub will be repainted and renamed. Instead of being known as the generic “Receiver,” the statue will wear number 80.
Driver was anything but generic during his tenure. He earned a Super Bowl ring, supported local charities, and won a reality TV show, Dancing with the Stars.
Unlike a famous former teammate who “retired” from the Packers only to play for two other teams, Driver told the gathered fans that this is it for him… at least when it comes to the football field. “And I promised you all that I would never wear another uniform (cheers) so today we make that official. I keep that promise to you. The loyalty you all have been giving to me and my family, I keep my loyalty to you. To not play for another team. And to retire in green and gold. I love you all, take care, God bless.”
Driver hinted his future plans include ridding his attic of squirrels, releasing a book this fall and appearing on reality television shows.
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