Donald Driver

Donald Driver is a retired professional football player originally from Texas. He spent his entire 14-season career in the National Football League playing as a Wide Receiver for the Green Bay Packers.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Donald Jerome Driver was born on February 2, 1975, in Houston, Texas, USA. The Wide Receiver stands 183 cm tall, and his weight was last listed at 88 kg.

He attended Milby High School in his hometown. Following graduation, Driver committed to play for Alcorn State University from 1995 to 1998. During his time with the Braves, he was a remarkable dual-sport athlete, excelling on the gridiron while also competing as an Olympic-class high jumper in track and field.

His collegiate football accomplishments were later honored when he was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

Professional Career

He was selected by the Green Bay Packers during the 1999 NFL Draft. They picked him in round 7 and he was the 213th overall selection.

During his professional career, Driver transformed from a late-round longshot into a cornerstone of the Packers' offense. Known for his durability, precise route-running, and signature smile, he recorded seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons and earned four trips to the Pro Bowl (2002, 2006, 2007, 2010).

He was a vital veteran presence on the Packers squad that captured a victory in Super Bowl XLV.

When Driver announced his retirement in early 2013, the Packers hosted their first-ever public retirement ceremony for a player in the Lambeau Field Atrium, an event that sold out in just 14 minutes. In recognition of his impact, the city of Green Bay presented him with a key to the city, refurbished a downtown receiver statue to wear his No. 80 jersey, and renamed the street leading to it "Donald Driver Way".

In 2017, he was officially inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. He still holds the franchise records for career receptions (743) and receiving yards (10,137).

Personal Life

Driver overcame a childhood of extreme poverty—including a period of homelessness where his family lived in a U-Haul truck—to become a highly successful athlete and philanthropist.

He and his wife, Betina, met in college and have been married since 2000. They share three children: Cristian, Christina, and Charity. His son Cristian Driver followed in his athletic footsteps to play college football.

Off the field, Driver has been heavily involved in community service. He and his wife run the Donald Driver Foundation, which assists ill children, provides housing for the homeless, and hosts community events like his annual football camp and charity softball games.

In 2012, his popularity reached new heights when he competed on and won season 14 of the hit television show Dancing with the Stars. He is also a published author, having written his autobiography, Driven, along with several children's books.

Career Highlights:

• 2017 – Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2022 – Black College Football Hall of Fame Inductee
• 2011 – Super Bowl champion (XLV)
• 2002, 2006, 2007, 2010 – 4× Pro Bowl
• Green Bay Packers Record: Most career receptions (743)
• Green Bay Packers Record: Most career receiving yards (10,137)
• 2012 – Dancing with the Stars Season 14 Winner