Driven - by Donald Driver (Paperback)

About the Book

"The legendary NFL receiver, all-time receptions and yards leader for the Green Bay Packers, and Dancing with the Stars champion looks back on his life and career. Now, in his memoir, Driver recalls what it was like to go from living in a U-Haul trailer with his mom on the streets of Houston to earning a spot on the Packers roster and becoming one of Brett Favre's favorite targets on the way to football stardom. He takes you inside the locker room with legends such as Favre and Reggie White, and recalls his more recent roles as a veteran leader for stars like Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings during the 2010 Super Bowl season and as a Dancing with the Stars winner. A seventh-round draft pick in 1999, Donald Driver was given little chance of making the Packers roster, much less of becoming a 1,000-yard receiver, a beloved icon for one of the NFL's most storied franchises, and a Super Bowl champion. But in a life of adversity, Driver has overcome obstacle after obstacle and has become one of the most popular players in the NFL"--

Book Synopsis

The legendary NFL receiver, all-time receptions and yards leader for the Green Bay Packers, and Dancing with the Stars champion looks back on his life and career.

When he was picked in the seventh-round of 1999 NFL draft, Donald Driver couldn't find Green Bay on a map. He was given little chance of making the Packers roster, much less of amassing over 10,000 yards in his career and becoming a Super Bowl champion. But in an unlikely journey, Driver has overcome obstacle after obstacle to become one of the most successful players in the NFL.

Now, for the first time, Driver recalls his time growing up in Houston, spending nights living in a U-Haul trailer with his mother and stealing cars and selling drugs with his brother to get by. He recalls what it was like to walk into the locker room as a little-regarded prospect out of Alcorn State, an athlete who one year earlier thought his future was in high jump rather than football, and why he would have never made the team without the support of General Manager Ron Wolf.

With the help of his winning speed, skill, not to mention, smile, Driver became one of Brett Favre's most-trusted targets and a fan favorite at Lambeau. (Though it took some time for him to perfect his Lambeau leap.) Driven takes you inside the locker room with Favre, shares his experiences with Reggie White, and recalls his more recent role as a veteran leader for like Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings during their Super Bowl run in 2010. Over 14 years Driver has been through it all--game winning touchdowns, crushing playoff defeats, frightening injuries, and the glory of the Super Bowl.

Traveling off the field, Driver discuss his relationship with his wife and three children: how uncertain they were when he undertook the relentless training necessary to become a champion on the 2012 season of Dancing With the Stars, and how supportive they are of his charity work and service to God.

Driver retired on his terms after 14 years in the NFL: as a Packer for life. Driven is the definitive story of Donald Driver's extraordinary journey.

Review Quotes

"Donald's contribution to the history of the Packers has been extraordinary, exceeded only by his personal story." -Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers quarterback, 1956-1971, and head coach, 1975-1983

"A great teammate...That he could go from a seventh-round draft choice to the Packers' all-time leading receiver is a real tribute to him." - Brett Favre, Packers quarterback, 1992-2007

" Where he made that mark was in between the numbers; his toughness, his ability to run after the catch and his willingness to always put the team first. When I looked and saw him wearing the No. 80, it made me proud" -James Lofton, Packers Wide Receiver, 1978-1986

"Donald is so humble, so supportive, so caring and that's right in line with the way I feel we all should be." -Gladys Knight, 7 Time Grammy Award Winner

"Donald is truly 1 in a million. The Packers better retire that #80 jersey!" -Peta Murgatroyd, Dancing with the Stars Champion

About the Author

DONALD DRIVER was a receiver for the Green Bay Packers NFL franchise, where he played from 1999 until 2012. He holds the all-time team record for receptions and receiving yards. He lives in Flower Mound, Texas with his wife, Betina, and his son and two daughters. A role model on and off the field, Driver is a Super Bowl champion and has received multiple honors for his service to the community, including the charity he started with his wife in 2004 to provide assistance for homeless mothers and underprivileged children.

donalddriver80.com

PETER GOLENBOCK is the author of eight New York Times best sellers. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with Wendy Grassi, Fred the basset hound, and Chauncey the lion.