A number of Door County Packers fans got into the Donald Driver Retirement Ceremony at the Lambeau Field Atrium. Of the nearly 2,000 fans, media members and Packers personnel there were very few who did not get choked up at one point or another.
Even no-nonsense Coach Mike McCarthy got choked up while addressing the Driver family and the capacity crowd. Others who spoke at the ceremony included Packers President Mike Murphy, Ted Thompson, Governor Scott Walker and Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt. Both Walker and Schmitt had gifts for Donald on his special day.
Driver was given his own street in Green Bay, "Donald Driver Way," a proclamation signed by the Governor of "Donald Driver Day," a key to the city and the announcement that the giant statue outside Titletown Brewery will be refurbished with Driver's name and number.
A congratulatory video montage was a highlight of the ceremony. All in attendance were able to watch personal messages recorded by Bob Harlan, James Lofton, Bart Starr, and a number of Dancing with the Stars cast.
The most emotional portion of Driver's address came during his farewell statement, "Jesus Christ has given me the wisdom, to understand when things must come to an end." The statement included a long pause while he choked off tears.
Driver again had tears fill his eyes while thanking his family -- namely his grandmother, mom, dad, wife and children.
Door County Daily News was one of a very limited number of news outlets allowed to ask a question of the Packers all-time leading receiver. Here is a listen to Driver's final statement to Packers fans.
Driver Says Farewell
Some of the top interviews between Donald Driver and Sports Director Nick Freimuth from the past several seasons will be featured each day for the rest of the week under the sports section at DoorCountyDailyNews.com.
