Thank You, Donald Driver

 When you start tracing through Green Bay Packer history for a list of the favorite players of all-time, it's a long list (and this isn't complete):
  Curly Lambeau
  Arnie Herber
  Don Hutson
  Vince Lombardi
  Bart Starr
  Ray Nitschke
  Willie Davis
  LeRoy Butler
  Reggie White
  Brett Favre (well he was, then he wasn't, my guess - he will be again someday)
  Donald Driver

The seventh round draft choice from Alcorn State came in with more acclaim for his high jump skills (could have tried out for the Olympics based on qualifying jumps in college) than football acumen.

Driver was a long-shot to make the team in 1999, became a starter in 2002, and posted seven 1,000 receiving yard seasons.

Now, to be a fan favorite, you have to be a great player.

But it takes much more than that - and it's the qualities Driver brought to the team, the state, and PackerNation that will keep him in Packer fan hearts for years.

I rooted for #80 because he seemed to conquer the odds.  He looked thin on the field, although he was strong and tough - missing only a handful of games due to injury.  When there a tough catch to be made - Brett and then Aaron seemed to look for him first.

His smile is electric and sincere.  There was always a sense that Driver appreciated playing for the Green and Gold; appreciated the scrutiny and love of the fans; and realized how special it was to have a career in the NFL.

He never forgot where he came from - Driver grew up poor and sometimes homeless in Houston, Texas and never was an athlete expected to 'make it' - and as a result he demonstrated a genuine understanding that he was living the dream in each of us about making it big.

Driver got 'it.'  Through his career he made a lot of money.  He may have wanted more, but he did his negotiations fairly quietly and never held out.  This last season he agreed to take a pay cut in order to stay 'affordable' for the team's salary cap.  I don't mind pro players making money - but it's nice when they appreciate it and realize how amazing it is that they get the pay they do.

Donald bonded with fans with his hard work ethic and a confident attitude that didn't scream 'look at me,' as much as it seemed to say, 'Hey, I'm on the Packers!'  His first down and touchdown celebrations filled with joy and excitement.

He's been active in the community - creating a Foundation to help young kids in Wisconsin and in Houston - visible for the team and worthy causes - and not just when the cameras were on him.

Driver announced this morning that he's retiring as a Packer next Wednesday in a Lambeau ceremony... endearing himself by declaring he doesn't want to wear another uniform after 14 years with Green Bay.

Donald Driver will be in the Green Bay Packer's Hall of Fame for his on the field exploits - finishing as the leading receiver in team history in catches and total yards; second to the iron-man Favre in games played - we loved those too, but to this Packer fan he will be a favorite forever because how he approached the game with a sense of wonder, hard work, and like a kid happy to be inside store with all the candy he could eat.

Thank you, Donald for being, now and forever, a Green Bay Packer.