DRIVING FORWARD
Green Bay wideout is also a standout in the community
It seems the word "quit" never made it into Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver's dictionary. All of his life, Driver has risen above challenges in profound ways.
Whether it was spending countless holidays without his parents around or living with his four siblings in the back of a U-Haul truck, Driver has never quit. After moving in with his grandmother, Betty Lofton, Driver found religion and football. After seeing films of his father's playing days at Texas A&M University, Driver was motivated to work hard on the football field and in the classroom.
Winner of 16 varsity letters in track, football, baseball, and basketball, Driver excelled in all areas while attending Milby High School in Houston, TX. As a college student at Alcorn State, Driver continued his athletic career as an outstanding track and field competitor as well as a two-year starter and three-time letter winner in football.
Upon completion of his major, Driver graduated with a B.S. in Accounting and was drafted in the seventh round by Green Bay in 1999.
Since entering the league five years ago as a long-shot to make the squad, Driver has indeed proven himself both on and off the field. In 2002, Driver was selected as the Packers' "Most Valuable Player" in addition to playing in his first Pro Bowl.
In addition to being one of the most respected players in the locker room, Driver has earned the admiration of an entire community for his endless contributions to the Green Bay area.
Through the Donald Driver Foundation, sick children have received assistance in paying costly hospital bills, homeless families have found homes, and many local charities have benefited from donations. Remembering his youth, Driver has focused the Foundation on helping homeless mothers as well.
In the five years he and his family have lived in Green Bay, Donald Driver has made over 300 appearances in the community. For his efforts, Driver was recognized as the Packers' "Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year" in 2002 as well as the recipient of the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award in 2001.
While he strives on the football field to bring another championship back to Green Bay, Donald Driver also plans to finish his master's degree in computer science very shortly. It seems the man who was once called "Quickie" by his parents because they grew tired of chasing him around the house, now excels in everything except giving up.
Reprinted by permission of USA Football.