Miles of Smiles, Thanks Double D

Sometimes being a fan means letting go of a beloved player.  Professional sports being a business, fan favorites will jump the fence to seek greener pastures.  (This is particularly difficult when they join despised rivals like the Minnesota Vikings or the Chicago Bears.  How could they?)  This may result in followers' feelings abruptly changing from affection to loathing for that player.  Fans will wipe the player from their collective memories and deliberately neglect to acknowledge any contributions that player may have made during their years with the team.  The break-up between fan and player can become so bitter with acrimony on both sides that it may never diminish, resulting in a chorus of verbal insults from fans and bad behavior from the player when they visit.  The "beloved" becomes the despised, never to be welcomed back into the stadium.

Fans across Wisconsin should be grateful that the man with the effervescent smile has decided to retire.  No one wants him to leave.  Everyone would gladly watch him play any position just to see the joy on his face when he makes a play.  However, number 80 has been at a crossroads in his career for the last year and a decision had to be made.  Everyone knows that one cannot wait too long or opportunity will go sailing by.  All fans of the Green Bay Packers should be celebrating because their beloved "Double D" has chosen a path worthy of his career.  (Fans' hearts could not have taken another break-up like the Favre fiasco.)  Donald Driver understands that he holds in his hands the goodwill of the entire "Packers Nation" and that is a form of currency that goes beyond mere money.   

Libraries across the state of Wisconsin own his children's books centered on the character "Quickie".  "Quickie" is the childhood nickname of the author whose books are aimed at helping children understand and cope with difficult life lessons.  If Donald goes on to write a dozen more in the series, they will be snatched up because of his enduring reputation and popularity.  If Driver chooses to move into the adult arena as an author, he will be welcomed.  For years library patrons have wondered where they could find a full biography of the Packers wide receiver.  Now he will finally have time to write it.  (On a side note to Mr. Driver, "Please write your biography.  From what little we know, it sounds like it would be universally inspiring.")

People will continue to compare Donald Driver to other outstanding athletes, particularly other "franchise players" which are becoming increasingly rare.  They will honor his integrity, his work ethic, his many accomplishments.  Whatever path he chooses, we know that smile will never fade.  It may acquire more laugh lines through the years, but it will continue to burn brightly.  Whatever the future holds for him, he will always have a place in the heart of the true sports fan, especially those who bleed green and gold.  Unlike many people who might be overwhelmed when faced with the prospect of finding new employment, he need have no fear.  His countless accomplishments both on and off the football field speak for themselves.  The most difficult decision he faces won't be what will he do, but rather, what can't he do?  Here's hoping that the next phase of his career is as auspicious and inspiring as the last thirteen years.  Thank you, Donald Driver, from the bottom of our hearts. We can't wait to see what you do next.