One of the most popular offseason events for the Green Bay Packers is the charity softball game sponsored by the team’s franchise-leading receiver, Donald Driver. The annual event, which took place on Friday night, attracted fans from all over to see their favorite Packers players compete in a pre-game home run derby and charity game.
However, yesterday night’s event was a little different. Instead of hosting it alone, Driver shared hosting duties with current Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love. Later, Driver said that this year’s event would be his last, and he would be transferring the baton to Love. In his explanation to reporters, he made a bold prediction about Love’s future in Green Bay. Donald Driver predicts that Jordan Love will become a Green Bay Packers legend.
During a discussion with reporters, Driver said that the charity softball game began with Brett Favre, who later passed over hosting duties to him. For a period, Driver delegated hosting duties to former Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who later returned them to Driver. This time, however, Driver appears to delegate hosting responsibilities to the next generation of Packers. Driver explained why he was turning over the reins to Love.
“And now I have the opportunity to pass it to Jordan Love, who I believe is the future quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. I have stated it before: he deserves it. And now it is time for the legend that I believe and know he will become to give the torch to him. According to Driver’s statement, he believes Love will be a Packers icon by the conclusion of his career. That is certainly high praise coming from a wide receiver who has received passes from Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, both of whom are franchise legends.
One can only imagine what being a “Packers legend” entails for Love. It may be breaking passing records, winning MVP awards, winning a Super Bowl (or two), or any combination of these. When asked if he would return to participate in the game, Driver stated that if invited, he would come to support Love, but he is “retiring” from playing in it. The Green Bay Packers Charity Softball Game will benefit Jordan Love’s New Foundation.
During the festivities, Love announced the formation of a new humanitarian foundation known as the “Hands of 10ve Foundation.” Its purpose is to inspire children to participate in sports and raise awareness about mental health and suicide. It also seeks to foster cooperation between law enforcement and the community. Many fans may recall that Love lost his father, a police officer, to suicide. Love was only fourteen years old when his father died. Last night’s charity softball game was the first to benefit Love’s newly established organization. In recent years, proceeds from the event have benefitted the Donald Driver Foundation and other organizations.
