Donald will be back next year, assuming there is football. After a season that didn't meet his high standards (mostly due to injury), he will return in 2011 and become the Packer's all-time leading receiver in yardage, eclipsing the 10,000 yard mark. Eventually, I believe Donald will have his number retired.
But playing in the Super Bowl...is something he deserves. I really want to see him in what would be the biggest game of his career, legs churning, his hands reaching out and snagging Aaron Rodgers bullets out of the air. Year in and year out, he plays hard. He gives everything he has, and does so without a lot of acclaim. He doesn't showboat like many of the other elite receivers in the league, and he's been able to keep Father Time at bay with his incredible conditioning and unquestionable drive. Much like Roberto Clemente, a superstar that played in relative obscurity with the Pittsburgh Pirates and finally had his chance to shine in the 1971 World Series, this could be his chance to shine, for the world to see what a special talent, and an incredible man he is.
He's come painfully close before. I remember watching him after we lost to the Giants in 2007 NFC CHampionship Game. He was crushed. When Favre announced his retirement, you didn't know if Green Bay could make it back to this level while Driver was still playing.
Donald's long been my favorite Packer. As a young man, he pulled himself out of the worst of situations growing up. He has been the epitome of class, and a model of consistency. You watch the incredibly joy he shows on the field, and you know he appreciates the opportunity he has been given, even now after all these years.
So while I will jump for joy if we get to the Super Bowl, this time, it would be even more special as one of the greatest Green Bay Packers ever realizes the sheer euphoria that playing in the greatest of games would bring. He plays the game the right way, and puts his heart into everything he does.
I want this for #80. You're the best, Donald!!!
Just imagine how Donald will smile if he's holding the Lombardi instead!
