Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver retires

Donald Driver, the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading receiver, announced his retirement Thursday.

“I played my entire career in Green Bay and have always enjoyed a special bond with the fans,� Driver said in a statement released by the Packers. “I can think of no better way to retire than to celebrate with them and the Packers organization.�

Driver finishes his career as Green Bay’s all-time leader in yards receiving (10,137 yards), catches (743) and 1,000-yard seasons (seven), and is third with 61 touchdown receptions.

He’s one of only 18 wide receivers in NFL history with at least 700 receptions and 10,000 receiving yards.

“His contribution to the history of the Green Bay Packers has been extraordinary,� legendary Packers quarterback Bart Starr said. “I am honored to congratulate him on all of his achievements on and off the field.�

Driver, 38, had hoped to play until he was 40, but said he knew it was time to retire after spending time with his wife and three kids after the Packers’ season ended.

“Someone’s going to always tell my kids that their dad was a great football player. But no one will be able to tell my kids that their dad was a great dad and a great husband, so I have to be able to show them that. And that’s what the next chapter of my career is going to be.�

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