Donald Driver's productive career officially came to a close Wednesday in front of those who adored the receiver most during his 14-season run with the Green Bay Packers.
The Lambeau Field atrium opened its doors to more than 1,000 fans for a morning-long celebration during which the 38-year-old wideout officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
Driver delivered a tearful address, listing Packers greats who came before him and citing his "opportunity to walk away from the game, knowing that I've given it all I can."
"Even though I feel that I can still play the game, God has made the answer clear to me, the time is now," Driver said. "I have to retire a Green Bay Packer. I've always said I never wanted to wear another uniform, but always the green and gold."
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declared Wednesday "Donald Driver Day" across the state, and a Green Bay street will be renamed "Donald Driver Way" to honor the player who began his career as a seventh-round draft pick and finished it as the Packers' all-time leader in receptions (743) and receiving yards (10,137).
Broadcast loud and clear Wednesday was the respect Driver has earned from his coaches, teammates and fans, demonstrated by a city that braved frigid temperatures to be with the pass-catcher one last time.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
