Driver will lead the way for Packers in 2006

By David Murray  |   Tuesday, July 25, 2006  |  Comments( 4 )

Green Bay Packers
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Once upon a time, Donald Driver was one-half of what was statistically the greatest pass-catching duo in Green Bay Packers history. No wide receiving combo had ever matched the totals set by Driver and Javon Walker during the 2004 season when they combined for a record setting 173 catches and 2,590 yards.

Unfortunately, the two were not destined to play together much longer. Walker went down with a season-ending knee injury in the first game last year, and that was it. The former first-round pick out of Florida State would later demand a trade and ended up being peddled to the Denver Broncos on draft day for a second-round choice.

Walker's injury left Driver as the Packers' No. 1 receiver, and he responded with a splendid 2005, hauling in 86 passes. Still, the Packers stumbled to a 4-12 mark that led to the ousting of head coach Mike Sherman.

Many saw wholesale changes on the horizon, and several rebuilding years looming for the Packers. Driver spoke out in the spring saying that he had always been happy in Green Bay--unlike Walker-- and would be at mini-camp with or without a contract. A short time later the 31-year-old, eight-year veteran from Alcorn State signed a four-year contract signaling the Packers were counting on him to carry their banner as the team's No. 1 wideout in 2006 and beyond.

One of the big questions going into training camp is who will emerge as Driver's running mate at the other receiver spot. The Green Bay Packers picked up former Washington Redskins first-round pick Rod Gardner when the Carolina Panthers waived him following the '05 season. He's expected to compete with Robert Ferguson, a former second-round pick who has shown flashes of brilliance in his tenure with the Packers but has not yet lived up to his vast potential.

The Packers also signed veteran free agent receiver Marc Boerigter in the offseason. Another interesting possibility is highly-touted Greg Jennings, the Packers' second-round pick out of Western Michigan.

Ideally, a solid No. 2 man will emerge to give Brett Favre another option. Together with a healthy Bubba Franks, this will take some of the pressure off of Driver. He should still have some good years ahead of him, especially if he has some help. Driver was a Pro Bowl selection in 2002, and he was also named the Packers' "Walter Payton Man of the Year" for his work and involvement in the community. In 2000, Driver and his wife started the Donald Driver Foundation, which assists homeless families.

Driver himself had a tough childhood. His parents divorced when he was very young, and his family lived out of a U-Haul truck and various motel rooms for a time. At 14, he moved in with his grandmother, and things began to change. Driver started attending church and Bible study on a regular basis; he even started doing his homework. In high school, Driver excelled on the football field as well as in track and field. He then earned a scholarship to Alcorn State. The rest, as they say, is history. Driver's lengthy career in the NFL with the Packers is a testimony to his faith, his God-given talents as well as his hard work and dedication.

As they look to rebound from the disastrous '05 season, the Packers and new head coach Mike McCarthy are happy to have the one who stayed as their top receiver in 2006, and hopefully beyond.

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