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Team / Players / Donald Driver
 
WR DONALD DRIVER #80
6' 0" 190 lbs. Alcorn State

Exp: 10th NFL Season, 10th Packers Season
Age: 33
Acquired: Draft 1999 (7b)
Current Status: Active Roster
2007 Bio:
  • Enters 2007 with a streak of 80 games with at least one reception (83 including postseason), the second longest in team history behind Sterling Sharpe's string of 103
  • Ranks sixth on the franchise's all-time list for receptions with 421; needs 11 to pass Antonio Freeman in fifth at 431 and 68 to move all the way up to third, ahead of Don Hutson at 488
  • In 2006, tallied career highs and team bests in receptions (92) and receiving yards (1,295), near statistical repeats of his 2004 and 2005 seasons (84-1,208; 86-1,221)
  • Earned Green Bay Packers 'Most Valuable Player' award for a third time in 2006, sharing honor with Aaron Kampman; other instances were in 2005 and 2002, when he also was honored as team's 'Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year' in recognition of his extensive work in the community
  • In 2004, combined with Javon Walker to register the Packers' best season by a duo in both receptions (173) and receiving yards (2,590)
  • One of the NFL's most decorated collegiate track athletes (high jump, decathlon, long jump, triple jump), won his conference's 'Athlete of the Year' award three straight years
  • Likely could have qualified for 2000 Sydney Olympics in high jump had he concentrated on track
  • Overcoming countless obstacles growing up has inspired him to become one of the team's most involved players in giving back to the community
  • He and his wife in 2000 created the Donald Driver Foundation (www.donalddriverfoundation.com), which offers assistance to homeless mothers and underprivileged children
  • In addition, has made more than 430 appearances since 1999, from schools to youth football fields to churches, delivering motivational speeches or offering assistance
Pro Summary
  • The ultimate professional who simply keeps getting better with age, has become an irreplaceable weapon for quarterback Brett Favre and one of the NFC's top wideouts year after year
  • After setting career highs in receptions and yards in 2004 and surpassing them in 2005, bumped those personal marks up yet again in 2006, his eighth season, with 92 catches for 1,295 yards to earn his second Pro Bowl appearance
  • Those totals ranked third and second in the NFC, respectively; both were fifth in the NFL in 2006, and his career-high 191-yard performance at Minnesota (Nov. 12) was the best single-game total by an NFC receiver on the season
  • Wants to play for another nine years, and there's no doubting he may do that with the tremendous care he takes of his body
  • With ability to play both flanker and split end, continues to establish himself as one of the team's all-time great receivers by climbing on various lists in team annals
  • In 2006, posted his fourth 1,000-yard season, joining James Lofton (five) and Sterling Sharpe (five) as one of three Packers with as many as four such years, and tying both former greats with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons
  • Also became only the sixth Packer with 400 career receptions, joining Sharpe, Lofton, Don Hutson, Boyd Dowler and Antonio Freeman
  • With 421 career catches, needs just 11 to move into fifth ahead of Freeman (431), 68 to move up to third ahead of Hutson (488) and 110 to surpass Lofton (530) for second on the franchise's all-time list
  • With another 1,000-yard season, would also move into fourth all-time in yards
  • Has 34 career TD receptions from Favre, No. 5 on the team's all-time combination list, having jumped the duos of Favre-Robert Brooks (32), Lynn Dickey-Lofton (32) and Cecil Isbell-Hutson (33) this past season
  • Also has posted five games with 10-or-more catches and 16 100-yard games, needing one more to match No. 6 Billy Howton and Max McGee on team's all-time list (both 17) and three more to crack the franchise's top five
  • Always in supreme condition and never misses a practice, demonstrating to any receiver on the Packers' roster what it takes to be successful
  • An assistant coach of sorts for younger receivers, credits predecessors like Freeman and Brooks for helping him develop his leadership skills
  • Combines leaping ability to make plays on the ball and running skills after the catch to provide a big-play threat on either the deep ball or short route
  • His 82-yard catch-and-run at Minnesota in 2006 gave him three career TD receptions of 80 or more yards, tying a Packers record held by Howton (two in 1952, one in 1953) and Carroll Dale (1966, 1967, 1970)
  • Also surpassed both the 5,000 and 6,000 career yards from scrimmage marks last season
  • Extended his streak of games with a reception to 80 (83 including postseason), the ninth-longest currently alive in the NFL and the second-longest stretch in team history behind Sharpe's streak of 103
  • Now has five 50-catch seasons, joining Lofton (seven), Sharpe (seven) and Freeman (six) as one of four Packers ever with as many as five
  • With 207 catches at Lambeau Field, ranks second all-time and trails only Freeman (213) in the stadium's 50-year history
  • His 2,812 career receiving yards at Lambeau is third, behind only Lofton (3,330) and Freeman (3,477)
  • His knowledge of the West Coast offensive system, combined with his athleticism as a former college track standout and one-time Olympic hopeful, makes him a threat no matter where he lines up on the field
  • Has put up remarkably similar and highly productive seasons the past three years, with 84 catches for 1,208 yards in 2004, followed by 86 catches for 1,221 yards in 2005 and career highs of 92 catches for 1,295 yards in 2006
  • Stepped forward in 2005 when injuries decimated the Packers at the skill positions and was the team's lone reliable playmaker for the duration of the season, earning the team's Most Valuable Player award for the second time (also 2002)
  • In 2004, teamed with Javon Walker to register the Packers' best season by a receiving duo in both combined receptions (173) and combined receiving yards (2,590); yardage total ranked second in the NFL that year behind the Rams' Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce (2,664)
  • Has now played in 114 career games (78 starts), with 421 receptions for 5,929 yards and 36 touchdowns, plus 29 rushes for 196 yards and one touchdown
  • In 2003, became the first player since Don Majkowski (10th round, 1987-92) drafted by the Packers in the seventh round or later to play five seasons in Green Bay
  • In 2002, was named to the Pro Bowl and became the lowest-drafted Packers Pro Bowler in 19 years
  • Was the team's No. 3 receiver for much of 2000, when he replaced an injured Corey Bradford
  • Though a low-round draft choice in 1999, initially had carved out a roster spot by regularly making phenomenal receptions in first training camp
  • Enjoyed solid collegiate track career, demonstrating his athleticism with world-class skills in the high jump, reaching 7 feet, 6˝ inches
  • Signed a contract extension in May 2006 through 2009, extending a five-year deal originally signed in November 2002
2006 SeasonBack To Top
  • After signing a contract extension in the offseason, answered with his second career Pro Bowl selection and the best of his eight seasons in the NFL
  • Started all 16 games and led the team with 92 receptions and 1,295 receiving yards - both career bests - and eight touchdowns, including an 82-yard score at Minnesota (Nov. 12) and a 68-yarder at San Francisco (Dec. 10)
  • Added seven carries for 16 yards (2.3 avg.)
  • Was on the field for 965 (86.4 percent) of the Packers' offensive snaps
  • His 191-yard performance at Minnesota, another career high, was the best single-game total by an NFC receiver in 2006
  • His 1,295 overall receiving yards were second in the NFC and fifth in the league
  • His 92 catches ranked third in the NFC and fifth in the NFL, and he became the first Packers receiver to finish in the league's Top 5 since Freeman also finished fifth in 1998
  • Also became just the second Packer with three consecutive seasons of 80-plus catches, along with Sharpe (1992-94)
  • In season opener vs. Chicago (Sept. 10), had a game-high seven receptions for 96 yards, moving into third place in all-time receiving yards at Lambeau, ahead of Sharpe (2,309)
  • Against New Orleans (Sept. 17) - playing in his 100th professional contest - accumulated 153 yards on eight catches; in the first quarter, caught a pass on a quick slant, spun past one defender, juked another and sprinted down the right sideline for 48 yards, setting up a field goal
  • Also surpassed 5,000 career yards from scrimmage on a 16-yard reverse
  • On a second-half TD drive in Saints contest, made receptions of 22 and 42 yards, the latter a difficult over-the-shoulder grab
  • At Detroit (Sept 24), surpassed McGee for sixth on the franchise's all-time receptions list; caught a 5-yard touchdown in the third quarter, giving the Packers a 24-14 lead in eventual 31-24 win; also delivered the key assist on Greg Jennings' 75-yard touchdown reception, screening CB Dré Bly for several yards, allowing Jennings to score up the right sideline for Favre's 400th touchdown pass
  • Late in the first half at Philadelphia (Oct. 2), went across the middle and took a shot from Sean Considine; returned to the contest and caught a pair of passes, including a 26-yarder, but missed much of practice the following week with painful hip and rib injuries
  • A surprise starter vs. St. Louis (Oct. 8), caught three passes, including an 8-yard grab in the final two minutes that put Green Bay in field goal position, during a heartbreaking 23-20 loss
  • Moved into second place for career receptions at Lambeau in Rams game, eclipsing Lofton (178)
  • At Miami (Oct. 22), had a game-high 10 catches for 93 yards, becoming the seventh player in team history with 5,000 career receiving yards and the 11th Packer with 30 touchdown receptions; caught a 34-yard TD in the third quarter, diving between two defenders to put Green Bay up 20-10 (reversed after a Packers replay challenge, the play originally was ruled incomplete)
  • Later in 34-24 triumph over Dolphins, on a back-breaking fourth-quarter TD drive, ran an end-around for 6 yards to convert a fourth-and-1
  • Against Arizona (Oct. 29), caught a team-high five receptions for 48 yards; made a 13-yard grab in the second quarter, setting up an Ahman Green touchdown
  • Had a game-high nine catches for 96 yards and one TD at Buffalo (Nov. 5); caught a 1-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter on third-and-goal, narrowing the Bills' lead to 10-7
  • At Minnesota (Nov. 12), established a career high with 191 yards on six receptions; caught three passes for 69 yards on a game-opening FG drive, then just before halftime caught a short pass over the middle and blazed by a group of defenders for an 82-yard score - the Packers' longest 2006 play - giving Green Bay a lead it would not relinquish
  • In the third quarter of Vikings contest, took a lateral from Jennings and ran for 30 yards, setting up another field goal
  • Caught three balls for 89 yards at Seattle (Nov. 27); in the third quarter, made a short catch and ran 48 yards for a score to give his team a 21-12 lead; later, on a fourth-quarter FG drive, snagged a pass for 34 yards
  • Against the New York Jets (Dec. 3), made three grabs for 41 yards, including a 20-yard pass for the Packers' only TD
  • In 30-19 triumph at San Francisco (Dec. 10), went over 1,000 yards receiving on the season and recorded his 400th career catch and 16th career 100-yard game; caught a game-high nine passes for 160 yards and one touchdown, making a long catch down the right sideline, breaking an ankle tackle and running past a group of defenders for a 68-yard score to give Green Bay a 24-13 advantage
  • Also recorded 19- and 22-yard receptions on the Packers' second TD drive in 49ers contest, and carried twice for the first time in his career, but totaled minus-6 yards
  • His seven catches for 70 yards vs. Detroit (Dec. 17) included a 10-yard reception on third-and-8 that set up a tiebreaking Vernand Morency TD; later, in the fourth quarter, converted a third-and-10 with a 12-yard grab, putting Morency in position to score again
  • Against Minnesota (Dec. 21), had a game-high nine catches for 99 yards
  • In 26-7 victory at Chicago (Den. 31), caught a 9-yard touchdown to end the game's first possession, what Favre called as important a scoring drive as the Packers had all season; also, in a fourth-quarter FG drive, converted a third-and-8
  • Had three catches for 38 yards in the Pro Bowl; also finished fifth in the Best Hands competition in the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge, won by Cincinnati's Chad Johnson
2005 SeasonBack To Top
  • Started all 16 games at wide receiver for the second time in his NFL career
  • Led the Packers with 86 receptions and 1,221 yards - then career bests - with five TDs
  • Also carried twice for 13 yards
  • Served as the Packers' primary offensive threat and played 83.0 percent of the team's snaps from scrimmage, first among receivers and third on the offense
  • Was selected as team MVP
  • Surpassed No. 7 Paul Coffman (322) on the team's career receiving list, finishing the year with 329 receptions
  • Became just the fourth Packers player with an 85-reception season (joining Sharpe, Brooks and Walker)
  • Posted a career-best five 100-yard receiving games and finished the season with consecutive 100-yard efforts
  • Had the Packers' three longest catches of the season, a 59-yard reception vs. Seattle (Jan. 1), a 56-yard catch vs. Chicago (Dec. 25) and a 53-yard scoring reception vs. Minnesota (Oct. 23)
  • Earned the 'Ed Block Courage Award,' given to one player on every NFL roster who displays commitments to the principles of courage and sportsmanship, as voted by his teammates
  • In tough, 23-20 loss at Minnesota (Oct. 23), caught a game-high eight passes for 114 yards and one touchdown, a spectacular, 22-yard, one-handed grab, making the catch despite being held by CB Antoine Winfield (penalty declined) for the game's first points; later in second quarter, converted a third-and-10 with an athletic 40-yard catch-and-run, shaking defenders to the Minnesota 5 to set up a TD two plays later
  • In impressive 33-25 win at Atlanta (Nov. 13), made a season-high 10 catches for 114 yards, including 15- and 16-yard grabs on opening TD drive and key 17-yard catch on third-and-8 to set up an important field goal
  • Against Minnesota (Nov. 21), caught five passes for 84 yards and two scores, the third multi-TD game of his pro career; second TD was 53-yarder on a post pattern in final minute of first half
  • Against Detroit (Dec. 11), made key block on RB Samkon Gado's 64-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, forcing CB Dré Bly out of bounds and out of the play; the run was the Packers' longest 2005 play from scrimmage
  • Brought in six catches for 107 yards vs. Chicago (Dec. 25), going over 1,000 yards for the season by converting a third-and-3 early in the game
  • Against Seattle (Jan. 1), led the team with six receptions for a season-high 118 yards; his first five catches all converted third downs, while his sixth was a 59-yard grab in the third quarter to the Seattle 5, Green Bay's longest passing play of the season
2004 SeasonBack To Top
  • Played in all 16 games, with 11 starts; did not start in five contests when club opened in other than base personnel
  • Also started Wild Card playoff contest vs. Minnesota (Jan. 9)
  • Had 84 catches for 1,208 yards and matched career high with nine TDs (2002)
  • Teamed with Walker to register the Packers' best season by a receiving duo in both combined receptions (173) and combined receiving yards (2,590), respectively surpassing the 172 catches of Sharpe and Edgar Bennett in 1994, and the 2,253 receiving yards of Freeman and Brooks in 1997
  • Among NFL receiving pairs in 2004, the two ranked second, behind only the Rams' Holt and Bruce (2,664)
  • In the process of racking up huge numbers, the duo became the club's first set of 1,000-yard receivers since 1999 (Freeman, Bill Schroeder) and just the third overall (Freeman, Brooks in '97)
  • In division-clinching triumph at Minnesota (Dec. 24), had a clutch performance with 11 catches (matching his career high) for a then career-best 162 yards and a touchdown
  • In the fourth quarter, capped a drive by converting a fourth-and-3 with a tough touchdown reception, knotting the game, 31-31
  • Had a spectacular homecoming to his native Houston (Nov. 21), making 10 catches for 148 yards and one touchdown, including a season-long 50-yard bomb, a 24-yard TD catch off his fingertips to bring the Packers within three points, a 15-yard catch on third-and-16 to set up game-tying kick, and a 12-yard catch to the Houston 28-yard line just prior to the game-winning 46-yard FG
  • Made a team-leading 10 receptions for 150 yards in Monday night loss vs. Tennessee (Oct. 11), including a 47-yard catch to set up a field goal
  • Followed up by catching a game-high nine passes for 110 yards in 38-10 victory at Detroit (Oct. 17), including a pair of touchdowns, his second two-TD game as a pro (also Sept. 29, 2002, vs. Carolina); the second TD came on 20-yard pass from halfback Green
  • At Indianapolis (Sept. 26), scored his first TD of the season by catching a deep out and gracefully tight-roping along the sideline to cut deficit to 38-31
  • At Washington (Oct. 31), pulled in career catch No. 200
  • Against Detroit (Dec. 12), scored his club's lone TD, a 23-yarder in the third quarter to narrow the Packers' deficit to 13-10 in come-from-behind victory
  • In the NFC Wild Card game vs. Minnesota (Jan. 9), registered game highs in receptions (seven) and receiving yards (78), including three catches covering 11, 16 and 7 yards on second-half TD drive
2003 SeasonBack To Top
  • Served as Green Bay's starting flanker for the second straight season, occasionally shifting to split end as dictated by injuries
  • Started 15 regular-season games (13 at flanker, two at split end); he was inactive for the Packers' Week 2 matchup with Detroit (Sept. 14)
  • Suffered a sprained neck midway through the fourth quarter of the opener against Minnesota (Sept. 7) when he landed on his head after going high to attempt a catch
  • Returned to the lineup a week earlier than expected with start at Arizona (Sept. 21)
  • Also saw action in both playoff games; he did not start Wild Card contest vs. Seattle (Jan. 4) when Green Bay opened with two tight ends
  • Led the team in receptions for the second consecutive season, with 52 catches for 621 yards and two touchdowns
  • Additionally rushed five times for 51 yards
  • Also tied for the team lead in postseason receptions with eight for 91 yards
  • Enjoyed his top 2003 performance in 38-21 win at San Diego (Dec. 14), pulling in eight passes for 112 yards - the Packers' first 100-yard receiving effort of the season - and a 7-yard TD just before halftime to give Green Bay a 17-3 advantage; also converted a pair of third downs on the Packers' game-opening touchdown drive
  • The next week at Oakland (Dec. 22), keyed the Packers' final touchdown with a season-long 41-yard reception; he caught the ball between two defenders, over his shoulder, falling backward toward the sideline
  • Had a career-long 45-yard run to set up an early field goal at Minnesota (Nov. 2)
  • Downed a punt at the Bucs' 3-yard line late in the first quarter of 20-13 triumph at Tampa Bay (Nov. 16)
  • Posted his best effort of the playoffs in Wild Card win against the Seahawks (Jan. 4), pulling in six passes for 66 yards, including a leaping, 23-yard catch between two defenders to set up a field goal just before halftime
2002 SeasonBack To Top
  • Developed into one of the league's most explosive playmakers in his fourth NFL season
  • Won the starting split end position, vacated when Schroeder was allowed to leave in free agency, with a strong preseason performance
  • Was one of Green Bay's most consistent performers in training camp practices, edging Robert Ferguson and Charles Lee, among others, to become a full-time starter for the first time as a pro
  • Earning his first Pro Bowl trip, he became the lowest-drafted Packers player (seventh round) to participate in the Pro Bowl since Larry McCarren (12th round) in 1983 (Majkowski, 10th round, was chosen for the game in 1989, but did not play)
  • Led the Packers in receptions (70, 14th in the NFC), receiving yards (1,064, 10th in NFC) and TD receptions (nine, second in NFC) - all three figures eclipsing his three-year NFL totals entering the 2002 season
  • Had more catches (70) in his first year as a starter than any of the top 10 wide receivers in Packers history had in their initial season in the starting lineup
  • Became the eighth 1,000-yard receiver in Packers history - and the first drafted in the seventh round or later - at San Francisco (Dec. 15) when he reached the plateau for the first time as a professional
  • Enjoyed the fifth-highest yards-per-catch average in the NFC (15.2) and tied for fourth in the NFC in third-down receptions (25)
  • Also rushed eight times for 70 yards
  • Had three 100-yard receiving days and a pair of 80-plus-yard touchdown catches over the course of the season
  • Signed a five-year contract extension, through the 2007 season, Nov. 25
  • Turned in memorable and gutty effort in playoff game with Falcons (Jan. 4), starting and playing through painful shoulder injury suffered a week earlier at the Jets; he aggravated the injury early vs. Atlanta but still willed himself to return to the contest
  • Caught Green Bay's lone touchdown against Falcons - a 14-yard strike from Favre early in the third quarter
  • Had enjoyed his top '02 performance in 40-14 rout of Detroit (Nov. 10), posting a career-high 11 receptions (for 130 yards); his 11 receptions represented the most catches by a Green Bay player in six years (Don Beebe, 11, Oct. 14, 1996, vs. 49ers)
  • Followed that up with four receptions for 121 yards at Minnesota (Nov. 17), including a nifty, 84-yard catch-and-run up the left sideline to tie the game at 21 early in the fourth quarter
  • Had a streak of four games with at least one TD catch beginning in Week 2, including first two-TD game of pro career in 17-14 victory vs. Carolina (Sept. 29); caught 31-yard TD pass from TE Bubba Franks late in first half of Panthers contest, and with 4:10 remaining pulled in the eventual game-winning score - a high bullet from Favre that he snared near the 10-yard line before darting into the end zone
  • Enjoyed his first career 100-yard effort in Monday night win at Chicago (Oct. 7), making four receptions for 120 yards, including a career-long 85-yard catch to open the scoring (tied for the longest play from scrimmage in the NFC in 2002)
  • In 26-22 triumph vs. Minnesota (Dec. 8), had a 17-yard run, drew an important, 28-yard pass-interference penalty on the Packers' final scoring drive, and threw a key block downfield on Vikings CB Eric Kelly on Tony Fisher's game-winning, 14-yard touchdown run with 1:06 remaining
  • In the regular-season finale at the N.Y. Jets (Dec. 29), left early in the second quarter after spraining his right shoulder on a carry around left end
  • Was the Packers' finalist for the 2002 'Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year' award
2001 SeasonBack To Top
  • Turned in standout preseason to cement his place as one of Packers' top pass catchers off the bench
  • Played in 13 regular-season games, starting twice when Green Bay opened with multiple receivers; he was inactive for the other three contests
  • Made 13 catches for 167 yards (12.8 avg.) and one touchdown
  • Also had three rushing attempts for 38 yards and one TD, along with six special-teams tackles
  • In NFC Wild Card victory over San Francisco (Jan. 13), turned in eye-catching performance, making a pair of critical third-down receptions during the fourth quarter, and a special teams tackle, in 25-15 triumph
  • Leapt high to pull down 14-yard catch early in FG drive that put Green Bay ahead of the 49ers, 18-15; he later hauled in a 12-yard pass deep in S.F. territory (the Packers scored a TD one play later for their final points)
  • In first quarter of Divisional playoff at St. Louis (Jan. 20), ran for 16 yards around left end
  • Had seen action in the first seven games, making two starts (vs. Detroit Sept. 9, at Carolina Sept. 30) when the Packers opened with four wideouts, before he was inactive at Chicago (Nov. 11), vs. Atlanta (Nov. 18) and at Detroit (Nov. 22) due to the after-effects of earlier quad contusion; returned to action in Monday night game at Jacksonville (Dec. 3)
  • At Tennessee (Dec. 16), 7-yard TD catch was first TD of season
  • Sparked the Packers' offense in 24-13 win vs. Minnesota (Dec. 30), dashing 31 yards around left end on a reverse that gave Green Bay a 7-3 lead late in the first half - his initial NFL rushing score
  • Earlier, contributed in 31-23 triumph vs. Baltimore (Oct. 14), matching his season high with three receptions (for a season-best 69 yards), including a 37-yarder across the middle to set up the TD that gave Green Bay a 24-10 lead late in the third quarter
  • Suffered a left quadriceps contusion in Ravens contest, however
  • In final minutes of 21-20 home victory vs. Tampa Bay (Nov. 4), got a block on the Buccaneers' David Gibson to help spring Allen Rossum's game-winning, 55-yard punt return
2000 SeasonBack To Top
  • Served as the Packers' No. 3 receiver for much of year with Bradford sidelined by multiple injuries
  • Played in all 16 games for the first time, starting twice
  • Enjoyed an impressive 15.3-yard average per catch on 21 receptions (sixth on team) for 322 yards and one TD
  • Also scored a two-point conversion (at Detroit, Oct. 8)
  • In first NFL start, had three catches for 43 yards vs. Chicago (Oct. 1), but suffered hip contusion on a key, fourth-quarter reception in Bears' territory
  • Pulled in a season-long 49-yard grab, at Buffalo (Sept. 10)
  • Started for an inactive Freeman in season finale vs. Tampa Bay (Dec. 24), gaining 4 yards on his initial NFL carry
  • At Carolina (Nov. 27), caught a rocket-like, 32-yard TD pass from Favre in Monday night game, tying the score at 14 late in the first half
  • Against San Francisco (Oct. 15), made a key downfield block on Freeman's 67-yard TD reception to open the scoring; he later drew a third-down pass interference in the end zone to set up the Packers' final TD, in eventual 31-28 victory
  • In win vs. Indianapolis (Nov. 19), had a 24-yard reception and drew a 33-yard pass interference, both on a second-quarter TD drive
1999 SeasonBack To Top
  • Saw action in six games as a rookie, primarily on special teams; he was inactive for nine contests and did not play in the other
  • Made three receptions for 31 yards and one TD
  • Inactive for the first eight games, made his NFL debut at Dallas (Nov. 14), playing as the fourth receiver and on special teams
  • Got added playing time the following week vs. Detroit (Nov. 21), coming in as the No. 3 receiver with Freeman sidelined by a concussion
  • Made his first NFL catch a memorable one, pulling in an 8-yard touchdown pass from Favre vs. Carolina (Dec. 12)
  • Considered a long shot to make the team, he consistently impressed the coaching staff during training camp, meriting a roster spot
  • Was the second of two seventh-round draft choices (213th overall) by Green Bay in 1999, a pick obtained from Chicago in 1998 for return specialist Glyn Milburn
CollegeBack To Top
  • Two-year starter and three-time letterman (1996-98) at Alcorn State
  • Coached in college by Johnny Thomas, who once tutored Jerry Rice at Mississippi Valley State, and said Driver had Rice's maturity
  • Multi-talented, was a member of the Braves' track team all four years (1996-99)
  • Earned all-conference honors in both sports his senior year
  • Made 88 career receptions for 1,933 yards and 17 touchdowns
  • Second-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference as a senior, when he led the Braves in receptions (55), receiving yards (1,128) and scoring (60 points)
  • Posted six 100-yard receiving efforts during his 11-game season in 1998
  • Established career highs in catches (11) and yards receiving (173) in '98 game at Prairie View A&M
  • Averaged 26.5 yards per reception in 1997, his first season as a starter, leading the team with 556 receiving yards (on 21 catches)
  • Had career-long 81-yard touchdown reception in '97 game vs. Mississippi Valley State
  • Possessor of world-class ability in the high jump as a track athlete, he also participated in the decathlon, long jump and triple jump
  • Was named as the outstanding field performer in the SWAC, honoring both indoor and outdoor seasons, three straight years (1996-98)
  • Qualified for the 1996 Olympic Field Trials in the high jump with a leap of 7 feet, 6˝ inches (ranked No. 1 in the nation that year), accomplished at the 37th annual Pelican Relays
  • Was the 1996 SWAC champion (indoor and outdoor) in the long jump, triple jump and decathlon, finishing second in the high jump
  • Was the 1997 SWAC champion (indoor and outdoor) in the long jump and triple jump, again coming in second in the high jump
  • Also was the '97 SWAC (outdoor) champ in the decathlon
  • Qualified for the 1997 NCAA Championships in the long jump with a leap of 25 feet, 5 inches
  • Was the 1998 SWAC (indoor) champion in the long jump (25-5), triple jump (50-2) and high jump (7-2)
  • Was the 1999 SWAC (indoor) champion in the long jump (25-0) and triple jump (51-3); he came in third in the high jump
  • Received B.S. degree in accounting
PersonalBack To Top
  • Given name Donald Jerome Driver
  • Born in Houston
  • Married to Betina, whom he met at Alcorn State and married in 2000; the couple has two children, son Cristian, 4, and daughter Christina, 2
  • As a youngster, nicknamed 'Quickie' by his parents, who grew tired of chasing him around the house, and because he was a quick learner
  • Lettered four times each in track, football, basketball and baseball at Milby High School in Houston
  • Played wide receiver and defensive back, and returned punts and kickoffs
  • Honorable mention all-state in football
  • The middle child in a five-sibling family, which lived for a time during his early teens out of a U-Haul truck after a collection agency confiscated the family's possessions
  • He also spent multiple holidays without parents and slept several nights in motel rooms his mother, Faye Gray, purchased with food stamps
  • Also remembers several times when his mom skipped meals while working at night
  • Moved in with his grandmother, Betty Lofton, who encouraged him to go to church, at age 14
  • Motivated toward football by college films of his father, Marvin, a quarterback who earned a Texas A&M scholarship, and likely would've gone pro but gave up NFL dreams to support his mom after his father's death (Donald's grandfather)
  • Overcoming incredible trials has inspired Driver to become one of the Packers' most involved players in the community
  • Has made more than 430 appearances during his NFL career and in 2007 received a JB Award for community service, named for CBS' NFL Today host James Brown and given to a select group of players for their individual contributions to their communities
  • Named Packers' 'Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year' in 2002, in recognition of his extensive work in the community
  • Also was chosen by The Sporting News as one of the NFL's "Good Guys" in its July 5, 2004, issue
  • In 2000, created the Donald Driver Foundation (www.donalddriverfoundation.com), with the motto "Strong Hands, Strong Minds, Loving Hearts"
  • Run by his mother, the organization offers assistance to homeless mothers and underprivileged children
  • Since its inception, the foundation has helped at least 17 families in the Houston and Green Bay areas by purchasing homes or providing other housing or mortgage assistance
  • The foundation also has funded several computer labs for inner-city youth centers
  • During the foundation's big fundraising week in June, hosted the annual Donald Driver Golf Classic at Sienna Plantation Golf Club in Missouri City, Texas; hosted the Celebrity 9-Ball Shootout at Slick Willie's Family Pool Hall in Houston; he also hosted the annual Donald Driver Football Camp in three locations: Houston, Milwaukee and Cleveland, Miss.
  • Also ran drills at an Oneida Nation football clinic in July 2005 and has conducted or helped out at football camps in Green Bay and De Pere in recent years
  • In summer 2006, participated in the inaugural Packers Tailgate Tour, visiting four Wisconsin cities as well as other impromptu stops to meet and chat with fans from all over the state
  • During the 2005 and 2006 holiday seasons, rang bells and signed autographs at Green Bay's Bay Park Square Mall in exchange for donations to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign
  • In June 2005, signed autographs at a Green Bay Blizzard arena football game, as part of a fundraising event that gave proceeds to children afflicted with cancer
  • Has been a frequent speaker at Green Bay-area schools, addressing the importance of fitness and making good decisions in life
  • In early 2004, was involved in USA Football's 'Tackle Reading' event; at Lanier Charter Middle School in Houston, joined former U.S Education Secretary Rod Paige and other current and former NFL players, in talking to students about the importance of education
  • Also has made pediatric visits to St. Vincent Hospital and Saint Mary's Hospital in Green Bay, and Herman Memorial Hospital in Houston
  • Has been involved with 'Junior Power Pack,' the Packers' fan club for kids, local Pop Warner football, and the Brown County Association for Retarded Citizens (now ASPIRO)
  • Appeared in a national United Way commercial on behalf of the NFL and Packers, which started in the 2003 season
  • Received the 'Community Service Award' from the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce in August 2001, in recognition of his community involvement
  • Earned the 'Professional Achievement Award' at the sixth annual Lee Remmel Sports Awards Banquet in April 2003
  • Additionally has given time and money to the Milwaukee Juvenile Detention Center, the PALS program, Children's Miracle Network and the Calvary Baptist Church Scholarship
  • Also worked as an instructor at former teammate Marco Rivera's 2002 youth football clinic in Puerto Rico
  • Has taken part in the Brett Favre Celebrity Softball Game as well as Edgar Bennett's Celebrity Bowl-A-Thon to benefit the Angel Fund for Children with Cancer
  • Is nearing completion of a master's degree in computer science
  • Hobbies include reading novels and spending time with his family
  • Splits residence between De Pere, Wis., and Flower Mound, Texas
Player StatsBack To Top
ReceivingRushing
Year GP GS No Yds Avg Lg TD Att Yds Avg Lg TD
1999 Green Bay 6 0 3 31 10.3 12 1 0 0 0.0 0 0
2000 Green Bay 16 2 21 322 15.3 49 1 1 4 4.0 4 0
2001 Green Bay 13 2 13 167 12.8 37 1 3 38 12.7 31t 1
2002 Green Bay 16 16 70 1,064 15.2 85t 9 8 70 8.8 17 0
2003 Green Bay 15 15 52 621 11.9 41 2 5 51 10.2 45 0
2004 Green Bay 16 11 84 1,208 14.4 50 9 3 4 1.3 14 0
2005 Green Bay 16 16 86 1,221 14.2 59 5 2 13 6.5 9 0
2006 Green Bay 16 16 92 1,295 14.1 82t 8 7 16 2.3 16 0
NFL totals (eight years) 114 78 421 5,929 14.1 85t 36 29 196 6.8 45 1

Playoffs
ReceivingRushing
Year GP GS No Yds Avg Lg TD Att Yds Avg Lg TD
2001 Green Bay 2 0 2 26 13.0 14 0 2 25 12.5 16 0
2002 Green Bay 1 1 3 64 21.3 25 1 0 0 0.0 0 0
2003 Green Bay 2 1 8 91 11.4 23 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
2004 Green Bay 1 1 7 78 11.1 16 0 0 0 0.0 0 0
Postseason 6 3 20 259 13.0 25 1 2 25 12.5 16 0

Additional statistics: Caught 2-point conversion at Detroit, 10/8/00, and vs. Jacksonville, 12/19/04. Special teams tackles - 6 (3-3) in 2001, 1 in 2004; NFL total: 7. Miscellaneous tackles - 5 in 2000, 4 in 2002, 1 in '02 playoffs, 2 in 2003, 4 in 2004, 1 in '04 playoffs, 6 in 2005, 2 in 2006; NFL total: 23. Miscellaneous forced fumbles - 1 in 2002. Fumbles-lost - 1-1 in 2002, 2-2 in 2004; 1-0 in 2006.

SINGLE-GAME CAREER HIGHS
Receiving
Receptions: 11, twice: at Det. (11/10/02) & at Min. (12/24/04)
Yards: 191, at Min. (11/12/06)
Long: 85t, at Chi. (10/7/02)
Touchdowns: 2, three times (last: vs. Min., 11/21/05)
Rushing
Attempts: 2, at SF (12/10/06)
Yards: 45, at Min. (11/2/03)
Long: 45, at Min. (11/2/03)
Touchdowns: 1, vs. Min. (12/30/01)

NFL debut: at Dallas, 11/14/99
First NFL start: vs. Chicago, 10/1/00
First reception/TD: vs. Car., 12/12/99 (8 yards, Favre)

CAREER TRANSACTIONS
1999: Selected by Green Bay Packers as second of two seventh-round choices (213th overall) in '99 NFL Draft, April 18 (pick obtained from Chicago in 1998 for return specialist Glyn Milburn)...Signed first contract, June 2.
2002: Re-signed by Green Bay as restricted free agent, April 12...Signed five-year contract extension with Green Bay (through 2007), Nov. 25.
2006: Signed two-year contract extension with Green Bay (through 2009), May 8.

CURRENT CONTRACT EXPIRATION: After 2009

ELIAS Game By Game Packers Stats
Game Date OppReceivingRushingKick Returns
NoYdsAvgTDNoYdsAvgTDNoYdsAvgTD
Sep 12, 1999 OAK000.00000.00000.00
Sep 19, 1999 @DET000.00000.00000.00
Sep 26, 1999 MIN000.00000.00000.00
Oct 10, 1999 TB000.00000.00000.00
Oct 17, 1999 @DEN000.00000.00000.00
Oct 24, 1999 @SD000.00000.00000.00
Nov 1, 1999 SEA000.00000.00000.00
Nov 7, 1999 CHI000.00000.00000.00
Nov 14, 1999 @DAL000.00000.00000.00
Nov 21, 1999 DET000.00000.00000.00
Nov 29, 1999 @SF000.00000.00000.00
Dec 5, 1999 @CHI000.00000.00000.00
Dec 12, 1999 CAR33110.31000.00000.00
Dec 20, 1999 @MIN000.00000.00000.00
Dec 26, 1999 @TB000.00000.00000.00
Jan 2, 2000 ARI000.00000.00000.00
1999 Totals33110.31000.00000.00
Sep 3, 2000 NYJ000.00000.00000.00
Sep 10, 2000 @BUF25829.00000.00000.00
Sep 17, 2000 PHI25025.00000.00000.00
Sep 24, 2000 @ARI3279.00000.00000.00
Oct 1, 2000 CHI34314.30000.00000.00
Oct 8, 2000 @DET22713.50000.00000.00
Oct 15, 2000 SF11010.00000.00000.00
Oct 29, 2000 @MIA000.00000.00000.00
Nov 6, 2000 MIN000.00000.00000.00
Nov 12, 2000 @TB2136.50000.00000.00
Nov 19, 2000 IND12424.00000.00000.00
Nov 27, 2000 @CAR13232.01000.00000.00
Dec 3, 2000 @CHI000.00000.00000.00
Dec 10, 2000 DET199.00000.00000.00
Dec 17, 2000 @MIN166.00000.00000.00
Dec 24, 2000 TB22311.50144.00000.00
2000 Totals2132215.31144.00000.00
Sep 9, 2001 DET000.00000.00000.00
Sep 24, 2001 WAS12424.001-1-1.00000.00