Packers four-time Pro Bowler Donald Driver has announced that he is retiring. The 14-year wide receiver revealed his decision on ESPN radio’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning” on Thursday.
“I’m going to officially put the cleats on the shelf,” Driver said. “I’m going to walk away from the game.”
Driver, who turns 38 on Saturday, was selected in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL draft out of Alcorn State. In his illustrious career, he set franchise records with 743 receptions and 10,137 receiving yards. He also retires with the third-most touchdown receptions (61) in team history. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that Driver played his entire 205-game career with one team and only missed four games.
“I played my entire career in Green Bay and have always enjoyed a special bond with the fans,” Driver said in a statement released by the team. “I can think of no better way to retire than to celebrate with them and the Packers organization.”
The Packers have announced that Driver will conduct a formal news conference at Lambeau Field next Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Driver, who won his first Super Bowl two years ago, now is ready to focus on his role as a family man.
“Someone is always going to be able to tell my kids that their dad was a great football player,” Driver said. “But no one will be able to tell my kids that their dad was a great dad and a great husband, so I have to be able to show them that.”