2025-2026 NFL Season Thread

[Galactus]

Donald Driver retiring from Green Bay Packers:

Donald Driver started his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers as a seventh-round draft pick who battled to make the roster, then barely saw the field. He finishes his career as the storied franchise's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.

The Packers announced Driver's retirement Thursday morning via a press release. The team will hold an official ceremony Feb. 6 at Lambeau Field.

Driver had 37 receptions through the first three seasons of his career, but he emerged as one of Brett Favre's favorite targets during the 1990s, and then provided a bridge to the Aaron Rodgers era. Driver ranks second in Packers history in games played (205), behind only Favre.

"I think the biggest thing is walking out of that tunnel at Lambeau ... and that's something I'll never forget," Driver told ESPN's "Mike and Mike" on Thursday morning.

Asked if he would consider returning, Driver said: "I'm not coming back. I'm at peace."

A three-time Pro Bowl player, Driver recorded seven 1,000-yard seasons at wide receiver. He wasn't the fastest or biggest receiver on the field, but he was one of the most durable and best with the ball in the air. Seemingly every year, some expected Driver's incredible rise to prominence would fall off. And every year, he'd put up another 1,000 yards through terrific route-running, strong work ethic and great hands.

Driver finishes as the Packers' all-time leader in receiving yards (10,137 yards) and catches (743). He is third behind Don Hutson and Sterling Sharpe with 61 touchdown receptions.

"It hasn't really hit me at this moment," Driver said to ESPN. "I think it's really gonna hit me on Feb. 6 when I have my entire family there."

Driver, 37, was not a huge factor this season for the Packers. He said Thursday morning that he is "at peace" with the decision.

Driver's popularity extended beyond football and into entertainment, as he won last season's "Dancing with the Stars." The timing of the move will give Driver a deserved moment in the spotlight this week and next in Green Bay, when he officially announces his retirement in front of his family and fans. It's appropriate that one of the most popular players of his era will get an official send-off at a stadium where he made so many memorable plays.

Thanks Mr. Driver for all the great memories.

[Blu-Benny]

Originally Posted by Galactus

Donald Driver retiring from Green Bay Packers:



Thanks Mr. Driver for all the great memories.

+1!!

he was a great receiver that never got the recognition he deserved!!

[SpiderRock88]

Originally Posted by Blu-Benny

+1!!

he was a great receiver that never got the recognition he deserved!!

+1!

He was a great player! And will be missed! Classy guy!

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk 2

[Blu-Benny]

Originally Posted by SpiderRock88

+1!

He was a great player! And will be missed! Classy guy!

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk 2

And @ 38 or 39…he’s in better shape than I was when I was 17!!

[Punishment1o1]

Originally Posted by Galactus

Donald Driver retiring from Green Bay Packers:



Thanks Mr. Driver for all the great memories.

This is the first I've read of this. What sad news. I always saw Donald Driver as a good guy and it's sad to see him go.

[Punishment1o1]

http://www.redskins.com/news-and-eve...a-3bc57d3015bf

Speaking on retirement, I just read this on the Redskins website that London Fletcher is thinking possible retirement. A part of me hopes that he doesn't retire just yet. He's been the literal all-star for this Redskins defense and has finally gotten some recognition. Starting and/or playing in what, his 4th straight Pro Bowl after not making it before means at least he'd go out on the top of his game.

[fatediesel]

Even though I'm not a Packers fan I'm glad to see Driver retiring and spending his whole career with one team. The Packers weren't going to bring him back next year and there were rumors that the Vikings were interested in him, and I hate when players spend their whole career with one team and then join a rival when they're well past their prime.

[Galactus]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Even though I'm not a Packers fan I'm glad to see Driver retiring and spending his whole career with one team. The Packers weren't going to bring him back next year and there were rumors that the Vikings were interested in him, and I hate when players spend their whole career with one team and then join a rival when they're well past their prime.

Fate what's happening with Greg Jennings?

He just said on NFL 32 that his house is up for sale (Which is the universal sign that a player isn't coming back.)

[fatediesel]

Originally Posted by Galactus

Fate what's happening with Greg Jennings?

He just said on NFL 32 that his house is up for sale (Which is the universal sign that a player isn't coming back.)

Jennings is gone. He's made it clear that he wants to get paid and the Packers aren't going to be able to afford him. They've got too many other contracts to worry about, with Clay Matthews and BJ Raji entering the final years of their contracts and Aaron Rodgers clearly outplaying his contract. The Packers have a good young receiving core with Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones and they just aren't going to be able to afford Jennings as well.

[Blu-Benny]

If jennings has to leave….i’d like to see him go to an AFC team…..somewhere where I can cheer for him and be happy for his success and payday.

And of course the Vikings were interested in Driver…..they always take our leftovers!!!

[Galactus]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Jennings is gone. He's made it clear that he wants to get paid and the Packers aren't going to be able to afford him. They've got too many other contracts to worry about, with Clay Matthews and BJ Raji entering the final years of their contracts and Aaron Rodgers clearly outplaying his contract. The Packers have a good young receiving core with Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones and they just aren't going to be able to afford Jennings as well.

One last thing.... What about Jermichael Finley?

Before the season ended reports say the Packers are done with him too and thanks by the way for answering my questions


It's like we got our own NFL insider here

[Galactus]

Originally Posted by Blu-Benny

If jennings has to leave….i’d like to see him go to an AFC team…..somewhere where I can cheer for him and be happy for his success and payday.

And of course the Vikings were interested in Driver…..they always take our leftovers!!!

I can see him playing for the Jags or the Bills.

[Blu-Benny]

Originally Posted by Galactus

I can see him playing for the Jags or the Bills.

i wish players wouldn't always go where the money is.

i liked it back when players would go where they thought they could win a Super Bowl and be part of a winning team.

now they take the money to play for a sh!t team.

i wouldn't mind seeing him in Indy.

[HoonieHoon]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

Even though I'm not a Packers fan I'm glad to see Driver retiring and spending his whole career with one team. The Packers weren't going to bring him back next year and there were rumors that the Vikings were interested in him, and I hate when players spend their whole career with one team and then join a rival when they're well past their prime.

+1. In this age of free agency it's so rare to see a great player stay with one team his whole career. Bravo DD.

[Galactus]

Originally Posted by HoonieHoon

+1. In this age of free agency it's so rare to see a great player stay with one team his whole career. Bravo DD.

Not to toot his horn but I think DD took a paycut to stay/retire in GB.

[fatediesel]

Originally Posted by Galactus

One last thing.... What about Jermichael Finley?

Before the season ended reports say the Packers are done with him too and thanks by the way for answering my questions


It's like we got our own NFL insider here

I really don't know what will happen with Finley. Like you said there were reports that the Packers were going to cut him but he had a strong second half of the season and there's a good chance the Packers will keep him. Finley is due $8.25 million next season and that's a lot for a tight end so the Packers could try and get him to adjust his contract, but with Jennings almost certainly gone and their other receivers somewhat injury-prone they may decide to keep Finely even at his current salary.

[Galactus]

Originally Posted by Blu-Benny

i wish players wouldn't always go where the money is.

i liked it back when players would go where they thought they could win a Super Bowl and be part of a winning team.

now they take the money to play for a sh!t team.

i wouldn't mind seeing him in Indy.

Dude did you just call MaCruz and Moviefans team 'sh!t'?

Someone's getting banned and receive some hate mail :P

[Blu-Benny]

Originally Posted by Galactus

Dude did you just call MaCruz and Moviefans team 'sh!t'?

Someone's getting banned and receive some hate mail :P

well come on.....no one goes to the Jags b/c of their Super Bowl prospects!

[Moviefan1203]

Originally Posted by Galactus

I can see him playing for the Jags or the Bills.

It's highly unlikely we are going after Jennings. We want to draft a young receiver for the future, we aren't going to sign someone who probably has his best years behind him.

Originally Posted by Galactus

Dude did you just call Moviefans team 'sh!t'?

He will pay dearly.

[Jennifer Lawrence Fan]

Originally Posted by Blu-Benny

now they take the money to play for a sh!t team.

Oh, come on man. Not cool. That could be the packers in a couple years so watch what you say.