Packers Pro Shop selling Donald Driver commemorative gear
By: Millaine Wells
Updated: February 5, 2013
GREEN BAY, Wis (WFRV) - It will be a bitter-sweet day tomorrow in Green and Gold Nation.
Donald Driver will officially announce his retirement at Lambeau Field.
The news has sparked a buying frenzy of Driver memorabilia.
"You have to pay tribute to Donald Driver" says Packers fan Gregg Felsheim.
On the eve on his retirement the Packers Pro Shop is giving fans four new ways to celebrate the teams all time leading receiver.
A bobble head, a pin, t-shirt and plaque all commemorating milestones of his 14 year career.
"We got some great Donald Driver t-shirts for my boys and I. They are huge packers fans" says Felsheim.
The Packers also ordered extra of a top seller, which shoppers like Marya Otradovec picked up. "A new jersey for my son. He is eight and his old jersey is too small. He's coming tomorrow so he needed a new one" she explains.
"His jersey has been in the top 5 for many, many years" says Kate Hogan, Directors of Retail Operations for the Packers. "People love Donald, he has been a great contributor her so that is a great marriage in terms of merchandise sales".
While Driver items have been hot sellers this week, the Pro Shop assures Local 5 this will not be the last time you can buy a number 80 jersey.
"He is a packers staple and we will sell his jersey just like we sell a lot of the retired alumni players. I would expect us to be selling Donald for a long, long time" Hogan says.
Thursday will add a new chapter to the Donald Driver story.
With 1500 fans expected at Lambeau for the retirement announcement it will be standing room only.
Green and Gold faithful are already preparing what they will say if the four time pro-bowler shakes a few hands.
"Thanks for being a great role model and a great packer" says Felsheim.
"We love you Donald and thanks for all the memories" says Otradovec
The commemorative merchandise is available at the pro shop and online.
The packers tell Local 5 they have already taken quite a few orders from fans around the world.
Local 5 will bring you complete coverage of Donald Driver's retirement.
Our live coverage will begin tomorrow morning at eleven.
Following the retirement ceremony we will have live reports on Local 5 news at noon.
In case you miss the live event, look for extended coverage tomorrow night starting at 4:00.
