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WR DONALD DRIVER #80
6' 0" • 194 lbs. • Alcorn State

Exp: 10th NFL Season, 10th Packers Season
Age: 33
Acquired: Draft 1999 (7b)
Current Status: Active Roster
 
  • Enters 2008 with a streak of 95 games with at least one reception (100 including postseason), the second longest in team history behind Sterling Sharpe's string of 103
  • Ranks third on the franchise's all-time list for receptions with 503; needs 28 to pass James Lofton in second at 530 and 93 to top Sharpe in first at 595
  • In 2007, went to the Pro Bowl for a third time, surpassing 1,000 yards for the fourth straight year and fifth time in the last six seasons
  • 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 second time in 2005; other instance was in 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 as well as scholarships to h.s. students in three states
  • In addition, has made more than 440 appearances since 1999, from schools to youth football fields to churches, delivering motivational speeches or offering assistance
Pro Summary
  • A true pro who shows no signs of slowing down at age 33, is as irreplaceable as he is reliable in the Green Bay offense
  • Continues to climb the charts in the team's and stadium's record book at an impressive pace
  • With his fourth straight 1,000-yard season (and fifth in his last six years) in 2007, became the third Green Bay receiver to reach 500 career receptions and at 503 now trails only James Lofton (530) and Sterling Sharpe (595) on the franchise's all-time list
  • His five 1,000-yard seasons also tie the franchise mark held by Lofton and Sharpe
  • With 6,977 career receiving yards, needs just 23 yards to become the fourth player in franchise history with 7,000, joining Don Hutson (7,991), Sharpe (8,134) and Lofton (9,656)
  • Despite scoring only two touchdowns last season, his lowest total since 2003, was duly recognized by players and coaches as one of the NFC's top wideouts and earned his third Pro Bowl trip (2002, 2006 were the others)
  • Extended his consecutive games streak with a reception to 95 (100 including playoffs), giving him a chance to top Sharpe's run of 103 games (1988-94) this season
  • Capped another great year with a 90-yard TD reception in the NFC Championship vs. N.Y. Giants (Jan. 20), the longest postseason touchdown in team history and the fourth-longest in league history, and received the Pro Football Writers Association 'Greater Houston Player of the Year' award for the 2007 season this past April 29 in Houston
  • Surpassed 80 receptions for a fourth straight year, joining Sharpe as the only other Packers player with four 80-catch seasons
  • With 240 career catches at Lambeau Field, became the historic stadium's all-time leader in receptions this past season, surpassing Antonio Freeman (213) in Week 3
  • His 3,277 receiving yards at Lambeau puts him just 54 yards from eclipsing No. 2 Lofton (3,330) and 201 from besting No. 1 Freeman (3,477) on the stadium's all-time list in that category
  • Ranks eighth on the franchise list in TD receptions with 38; 36 of those came from Brett Favre, putting Favre and Driver third amongst Green Bay touchdown combinations
  • With two 100-yard games in 2007, ranks sixth in Packers history with 18 such games, within reach of No. 5 Boyd Dowler (19), No. 4 Freeman (20) and No. 3 Hutson (24) on that list
  • Also has six games with 10-or-more catches
  • Set personal highs in receptions and yards three straight years beginning in 2004, putting up 92 catches for 1,295 yards in 2006 to earn a 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 until he's 40, and he just may do that with the tremendous care he takes of his body
  • Sets an example for the team's younger receivers, both on the field and off, of what it takes to be successful, and credits predecessors Freeman and Robert Brooks for helping him develop his leadership skills
  • 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
  • His 82-yard catch-and-run at Minnesota in 2006 gave him three career TD receptions of 80 or more yards (not including playoffs), tying a Packers record held by Billy Howton (two in 1952, one in 1953) and Carroll Dale (1966, 1967, 1970)
  • 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 129 career games (93 starts), with 503 receptions for 6,977 yards and 38 TDs, plus 31 rushes for 200 yards and one TD
  • 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
  • Broke through as 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 decorated collegiate track career, demonstrating his athleticism with world-class skills in the high jump, reaching 7 feet, 6˝ inches
2007 Season
  • In year nine of his career, was one of four 2007 Packers Pro Bowl selections
  • Played in first 15 games of the season with 14 starts, did not play Dec. 30 vs. Detroit (coach's decision), and started both playoff contests
  • Led the team with 82 receptions for 1,048 yards, with two TDs, moving into third on the team's all-time receptions list with 503 - surpassing Freeman (431), Dowler (448) and Hutson (488) - and fourth on the yards list with 6,977, eclipsing Freeman (6,651) and Dowler (6,918)
  • In the preseason, suffered a sprained foot fighting for extra yards in the second quarter vs. Jacksonville (Aug. 23) and did not play in the team's preseason finale at Tennessee (Aug. 30)
  • Returned Sept. 2 on a limited basis and was back to full participation by the end of the week
  • Vs. Philadelphia (Sept. 9), tied Eagles RB Brian Westbrook with a game-high six receptions for 66 yards, including a 22-yard reception on third-and-4 in the third quarter
  • At New York Giants (Sept. 16), had a game-high eight catches for 73 yards and a touchdown, his first of the year. In the third quarter, made a 19-yard catch to get the Packers inside the red zone and then a 5-yard reception on the next play; Donald Lee caught a 3-yard score on the ensuing play. On the team's next drive, made a 5-yard catch on third-and-3, then hauled in a 10-yard TD in the back of the end zone for a 28-13 Packers lead
  • Vs. San Diego (Sept. 23), had a game-high 126 receiving yards on six catches, with one touchdown, his first 100-yard receiving game of the season and 17th of his career. Made his first reception in the second quarter, a 16-yard gain on third-and-3. The catch moved him into first place on Lambeau Field's all-time receptions list; finished the series by making a diving 5-yard TD catch. On Green Bay's next offensive series, caught a 46-yard pass on third-and-10; Bubba Franks caught a 5-yard touchdown pass four plays later for a 17-7 Packers lead. Wrapped up his performance by recovering an onside kick attempt by San Diego at the end of the game
  • At Denver (Oct. 29), made three catches for 28 yards, with a 17-yard catch on third-and-9 in the fourth quarter
  • At Kansas City (Nov. 4), led the team with five catches for 99 yards, including a 44-yard, one-handed grab between two defenders; Mason Crosby kicked a 32-yard field goal four plays later to put Green Bay up 16-14
  • Vs. Minnesota (Nov. 11), made four receptions for 63 yards. On a second-quarter drive, made a 19-yard catch on third-and-7 and an 8-yard reception on fourth-and-1, leading to a FG before halftime. In the third quarter, made a 24-yard catch on third-and-5, the series ending with a Ruvell Martin touchdown. On Ryan Grant's 30-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, headed off safety Darren Sharper, allowing Grant to get upfield
  • Vs. Carolina (Nov. 18), made five catches for 83 yards. Caught a 47-yard pass in the second quarter, the drive finishing with a Jennings TD. Later in the quarter, caught a 13-yard pass on third-and-8, setting up a Lee TD catch and a 21-3 lead. Recovered a Panthers onside kick try in the fourth quarter and advanced it 4 yards
  • At Detroit (Nov. 22), recorded season highs with 10 catches and 147 yards. During a second-quarter drive, caught passes of 38 and 19 yards; Grant ran in a 5-yard TD to finish the series. Caught a 41-yard pass on third-and-6 in the fourth quarter; the series ended with a Crosby FG
  • At Dallas (Nov. 29), had a team-high seven catches for 66 yards; in the third quarter, caught a 17-yard pass on third-and-11, the drive ending with a Grant TD run
  • Vs. Oakland (Dec. 9), made three catches for 38 yards, all three successfully converted third downs. On the first drive of the second quarter, caught an 11-yard pass on third-and-7 and later a 7-yard pass on third-and-3; the drive ended with a 6-yard Grant TD run, the team's first points of the game. Later in the quarter, made a 20-yard reception on third-and-7
  • At St. Louis (Dec. 16), led the team with five receptions for 80 yards. On the Packers' first offensive play of the fourth quarter, caught a 7-yard pass to give Favre the NFL record for most passing yards in a career. Earlier in the game, caught a short pass, then shook and darted for a 37-yard gain to the St. Louis 4-yard line; Lee caught a 4-yard touchdown two plays later for 14-7 Green Bay lead
  • At Chicago (Dec. 23), had a game-high four catches for 32 yards. Recorded his 500th career catch
  • Started both playoff contests, making eight catches for 159 yards and one touchdown
  • Vs. Seattle (Jan. 12), made three catches for 18 yards
  • In the NFC Championship vs. New York Giants (Jan. 20), had a team-high five catches for 141 yards and one touchdown. In the second quarter, caught a long pass and outran three defenders down the right sideline on his way to a 90-yard touchdown, the fourth-longest postseason touchdown in NFL history and longest in Green Bay playoff history
  • Had two catches for 31 yards in the Pro Bowl
2006 Season
  • After signing a contract extension in the offseason, answered with his second career Pro Bowl selection and the best statistical season of his career
  • Started all 16 games for the third time in his career and led the team with 92 receptions and 1,295 receiving yards - both career highs - 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.)
  • 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
  • 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 and surpassed 5,000 career yards from scrimmage on a 16-yard reverse
  • At Detroit (Sept 24), surpassed McGee for sixth on the franchise's all-time receptions list; also delivered the key assist on Greg Jennings' 75-yard TD reception, screening CB Dré Bly for several yards, allowing Jennings to score up the right sideline for Favre's 400th touchdown pass
  • Vs. St. Louis (Oct. 8), caught three passes, to move into second place for career receptions at Lambeau, 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • In 26-7 victory at Chicago (Dec. 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
  • 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 Season
  • Started all 16 games at wide receiver and led the Packers with 86 receptions and 1,221 yards - then career bests - with five TDs
  • Also carried twice for 13 yards
  • Was selected as team MVP
  • Surpassed No. 7 Paul Coffman (322) on the team's career receptions list, finishing the year with 329 catches
  • 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 (Nov. 21)
  • Earned the 'Ed Block Courage Award,' given to one player on every NFL roster who displays commitment 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
  • 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 Season
  • 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
  • Followed up 10-catch, 150-yard effort in Monday night loss vs. Tennessee (Oct. 11) 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
  • 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 Season
  • 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 Season
  • 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
  • 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 Season
  • 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 vs. 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)
  • 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)
  • 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 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 Season
  • 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 four 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 Season
  • 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 TD 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
College
  • 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
Personal
  • 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, 5, and daughter, Christina, 3
  • 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 440 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 provides 10 scholarships worth $1,000 each, annually, to students in Texas, Mississippi and Wisconsin, and 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 and at The Bog in Milwaukee, Wis.; 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., these camps are free for children between the ages of 7-17
  • 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
  • This summer he took over the tradition of hosting the annual Packers offense vs. defense charity softball game with the proceeds going to support the Donald Driver Foundation
  • 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 St. 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
  • Also is part-owner of two Chevrolet/Buick car dealerships in eastern Wisconsin
  • 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
Sep 30, 2001 @CAR000.00000.00000.00
Oct 7, 2001 @TB000.00000.00000.00
Oct 14, 2001 BAL36923.00000.00000.00
Oct 21, 2001 @MIN2178.50000.00000.00
Nov 4, 2001 TB2115.50000.00000.00
Nov 11, 2001 @CHI000.00000.00000.00
Nov 18, 2001 ATL000.00000.00000.00
Nov 22, 2001 @DET000.00000.00000.00
Dec 3, 2001 @JAC11010.00000.00000.00
Dec 9, 2001 CHI000.00188.00000.00
Dec 16, 2001 @TEN2178.51000.00000.00
Dec 23, 2001 CLE000.00000.00000.00
Dec 30, 2001 MIN000.0013131.01000.00
Jan 6, 2002 @NYG2199.50000.00000.00
2001 Totals1316712.8133812.71000.00
Sep 8, 2002 ATL77811.10000.00000.00
Sep 15, 2002 @NO45112.81000.00000.00
Sep 22, 2002 @DET59418.81000.00000.00
Sep 29, 2002 CAR59719.4211515.00000.00
Oct 7, 2002 @CHI412030.0111313.00000.00
Oct 13, 2002 @NE34314.30155.00000.00
Oct 20, 2002 WAS44411.00000.00000.00
Nov 4, 2002 MIA36020.00000.00000.00
Nov 10, 2002 DET1113011.80000.00000.00
Nov 17, 2002 @MIN412130.31000.00000.00
Nov 24, 2002 @TB33210.7111616.00000.00
Dec 1, 2002 CHI56513.00133.00000.00
Dec 8, 2002 MIN22512.5011717.00000.00
Dec 15, 2002 @SF44210.51122.00000.00
Dec 22, 2002 BUF55210.41000.00000.00
Dec 29, 2002 @NYJ11010.001-1-1.00000.00
2002 Totals70106415.298708.80000.00
Sep 7, 2003 MIN22713.50111.00000.00
Sep 14, 2003 DET000.00000.00000.00
Sep 21, 2003 @ARI2126.00000.00000.00
Sep 29, 2003 @CHI45012.50000.00000.00
Oct 5, 2003 SEA77210.31155.00000.00
Oct 12, 2003 KC7598.40000.00000.00
Oct 19, 2003 @STL45313.30177.00000.00
Nov 2, 2003 @MIN12626.0014545.00000.00
Nov 10, 2003 PHI2189.00000.00000.00
Nov 16, 2003 @TB2126.00000.00000.00
Nov 23, 2003 SF4317.80000.00000.00
Nov 27, 2003 @DET44711.801-7-7.00000.00
Dec 7, 2003 CHI144.00000.00000.00
Dec 14, 2003 @SD811214.01000.00000.00
Dec 22, 2003 @OAK37826.00000.00000.00
Dec 28, 2003 DEN12020.00000.00000.00
2003 Totals5262111.9255110.20000.00
Sep 13, 2004 @CAR33913.00000.00000.00
Sep 19, 2004 CHI5499.80000.00000.00
Sep 26, 2004 @IND66410.71000.00000.00
Oct 3, 2004 NYG4317.80000.00000.00
Oct 11, 2004 TEN1015015.00000.00000.00
Oct 17, 2004 @DET911012.22000.00000.00
Oct 24, 2004 DAL35217.31000.00000.00
Oct 31, 2004 @WAS24824.00000.00000.00
Nov 14, 2004 MIN3289.3011414.00000.00
Nov 21, 2004 @HOU1014814.81000.00000.00
Nov 29, 2004 STL68514.21000.00000.00
Dec 5, 2004 @PHI33311.001-1-1.00000.00
Dec 12, 2004 DET48721.81000.00000.00
Dec 19, 2004 JAC47418.51000.00000.00
Dec 24, 2004 @MIN1116214.71000.00000.00
Jan 2, 2005 @CHI14848.001-9-9.00000.00
2004 Totals84120814.49341.30000.00
Sep 11, 2005 @DET44812.00000.00000.00
Sep 18, 2005 CLE610517.51000.00000.00
Sep 25, 2005 TB24924.50000.00000.00
Oct 3, 2005 @CAR69215.31000.00000.00
Oct 9, 2005 NO5489.60000.00000.00
Oct 23, 2005 @MIN811414.31000.00000.00
Oct 30, 2005 @CIN57615.20199.00000.00
Nov 6, 2005 PIT56412.80000.00000.00
Nov 13, 2005 @ATL1011411.40000.00000.00
Nov 21, 2005 MIN58416.82000.00000.00
Nov 27, 2005 @PHI35016.70144.00000.00
Dec 4, 2005 @CHI8648.00000.00000.00
Dec 11, 2005 DET4328.00000.00000.00
Dec 19, 2005 @BAL35618.70000.00000.00
Dec 25, 2005 CHI610717.80000.00000.00
Jan 1, 2006 SEA611819.70000.00000.00
2005 Totals86122114.252136.50000.00
Sep 10, 2006 CHI79613.70000.00000.00
Sep 17, 2006 NO815319.1011616.00000.00
Sep 24, 2006 @DET3206.711-1-1.00000.00
Oct 2, 2006 @PHI55010.00000.00000.00
Oct 8, 2006 STL3248.00000.00000.00
Oct 22, 2006 @MIA10939.31166.00000.00
Oct 29, 2006 ARI5489.60000.00000.00
Nov 5, 2006 @BUF99610.71000.00000.00
Nov 12, 2006 @MIN619131.81000.00000.00
Nov 19, 2006 NE24221.00000.00000.00
Nov 27, 2006 @SEA38929.71000.00000.00
Dec 3, 2006 NYJ34113.71000.00000.00
Dec 10, 2006 @SF916017.812-6-3.00000.00
Dec 17, 2006 DET77010.00177.00000.00
Dec 21, 2006 MIN99911.00000.00000.00
Dec 31, 2006 @CHI3237.711-6-6.00000.00
2006 Totals92129514.187162.30000.00
Sep 9, 2007 PHI66611.00000.00000.00
Sep 16, 2007 @NYG8739.11000.00000.00
Sep 23, 2007 SD612621.01000.00000.00
Sep 30, 2007 @MIN7588.301-1-1.00000.00
Oct 7, 2007 CHI45112.80000.00000.00
Oct 14, 2007 WAS5387.60000.00000.00
Oct 29, 2007 @DEN3289.30000.00000.00
Nov 4, 2007 @KC59919.80000.00000.00
Nov 11, 2007 MIN46315.80000.00000.00
Nov 18, 2007 CAR58316.60155.00144.00
Nov 22, 2007 @DET1014714.70000.00000.00
Nov 29, 2007 @DAL7669.40000.00000.00
Dec 9, 2007 OAK33812.70000.00000.00
Dec 16, 2007 @STL58016.00000.00000.00
Dec 23, 2007 @CHI4328.00000.00000.00
Dec 30, 2007 DET000.00000.00000.00
2007 Totals82104812.82242.00144.00
Packers Totals503697713.938312006.51144.00

Statistics provided by Elias Sports Bureau