More than 1,500 screaming fans turned out at Lambeau Field to wish Donald Driver well in what was the first public retirement announcement in franchise history.
Packer's President Mark Murphy said that it's sad to see Driver's career end, but that now is the time to celebrate and that's exactly what they did Wednesday. Emotional is the only way describe the scene at Lambeau where Packer's fans traveled from across the state and beyond to pay their respects to number 80.
Larry McCarren, who's the Packers Color Commentator, emceed the event. He put it best when he said that among all the different people who came out to send Driver off, there is one common denominator. That is the love for the player he was and the for the man he is.
"I love him. He's just such a good guy, a good role model," Driver fan Kris Kuula told NewsChannel 7.
"He's a good family man. A good role model. Everyone should kind of look up to that and take heed with that," Kuula's sister added.
Eyes brimmed with tears as highlights of Driver's career were projected on a big screen. As fans struggled to keep it together so did Driver himself, saying today was not just for him, but for them. It was about giving fans the respect they deserve.
Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy and even Governor Walker mentioned in their speeches that in all their time with and following the Packers they have never seen a player more connected with the fans.
Although fans are no doubt sad to see him go, they're happy he left the NFL the same way he came in, wearing green and gold.
