JimmyC explores the lives and careers of some of his favorite Packers players, coaches, and executives.
Donald Driver
Donald Jerome Driver was drafted by the Packers in the 7th round of the 1999 draft. He played for the Packers from 1999 to 2012, his entire career.
Donald was born in Houston, Texas in on February 2, 1975. His childhood was extremely difficult, interspersed with periods of homelessness and punctuated by his own criminal activity. When Donald was 14, he went to live with his Grandmother, Betty Lofton, and under her guidance he began to turn his life around.
In High School, Donald was a four-time Letterman in Track, Football, Baseball, and Basketball. He was a Texas All-State Honorable mention in Football where he played WR, DB, and returned kicks.
Donald attended Alcorn State University. In addition to his Football prowess, Donald was an Olympic Class High jumper, whose personal best was 7′ 6.5″!
After three middling seasons with the Packers, Donald blossomed in 2002 with 70 receptions for 1064 yards. Donald went on to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in seven of his fourteen seasons, three times surpassing 1,200. His career best season was 2006 in which he recorded 92 receptions and 1,295 yards, earning him a spot in the 2007 Pro Bowl (NFC) roster.
Donald was a part of the Super Bowl XLV winning team; although he was injured early in the contest and watched the game from the sidelines with his foot in a boot.
Driver was known for setting a great example in practice with his work ethic and affable personality. In between plays practicing with the first team, he would jump in with the scout team to take snaps whenever he could.
One of my favorite memories of Donald came not in victory, but in defeat. During the Divisional Round playoff game with the Giants after the 2011 season, the Packers were desperately trying to mount a comeback when Driver scored a TD. He looked to the end zone as if contemplating a Lambeau Leap, then turned and ran back to the sideline. He demonstrated you don’t celebrate your TD when you team is getting a beatdown on the field! The guy was a class act.
Donald’s post Football career included a winning stint on Dancing With the Stars. This was the only time I ever watched or voted.
Donald also authored a series of inspirational children’s books featuring a character named Quickie.
Donald was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2017 and was selected for induction in the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Donald’s on field performance, work ethic, integrity, and infectious smile and personality made him a beloved fan favorite. Every Packers’ fan can be proud he wore the Green and Gold.