Fans Say Goodbye to Number 80

Green Bay, Wis.(WFRV) In front of friends, family, and one thousand fans, Donald Driver announced his retirement from the Packers.

This is the first time the Packers have had a retirement part y open to the public.

Driver not only inspired fans on the field, but he was an instrumental figure in the community.

"Packer fans are so special because they show the loyalty, the respect, so now I give you all the respect," Driver said.

It's the loyalty, which brought more than one thousand fans out to Lambeau Field to say goodbye to their beloved receiver. 

Bob Fisher, who attended the event, said, "He had such a great career. If he had gone to another team or done something like Brett Favre then maybe it would have been bitter sweet. But this is a wonderful way to close out his career."

Donning their Driver's jerseys and holding signs expressing their love for Number 80, fans said it was an emotional event.
Attendee, Lauren Parkins said, "He definitely got emotional and that made me get a little bit. Thinking about the fact he won't be out on the field anymore."

Aaron Ehlenfeldt, said, "When he started to get tears in his eyes, I started to get tears in my eyes too."

More than 10,000 yards and 61 touchdown receptions later, Driver's tenacity on the field and loyalty to the team is what fans say make him so special.

Jane Schmidt, who attended Driver's send off despite being on crutches , said, "I've watched him since his first game and he was this wild wobbly skinny wide receiver and he showed such tenacity and intelligence and never gave up on anything. The fans love him."

His inspirational actions extended beyond the field, he played an active role in the community as well.

Dan Kadulski, said "Donald Driver is the number one charitable individual in Green Bay, in Brown County, and in Wisconsin. That's something people aren't aware of. He's very humble in those roots and he's true to it."

Through programs like the Donald Driver Foundation, Donald and his wife, Betina, helped raise money for families in need.

Because of that devotion to the community, Mayor Jim Schmitt gave Driver a key to the city in hopes that he will always call Green Bay home.

And Governor Walker officially declared February 6^th, Donald Driver Day.

"So many things that they have done to lift the lives of the people in Green Bay. Obviously makes the whole city a better community." Said Mayor Jim Schmitt.