Driven: From Homeless to Hero, My Journeys On and Off Lambeau Field
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.
Reviews (395)
An insiring book about a great Green Bay Packer who is a wonderful man
I had bought the hard copy when it first came out and enjoyed reading it. (I am a great fan of Donald Driver!) I must have loaned it to someone who did not return it as I could not find it anywhere when my 13 year old granddaughter asked me if I still had it. Her class is doing biographies at the present time and that's who she wanted to do hers on. Thus, I ordered the paperback copy of it on Amazon and she had it in two days. She shared her oral report of the book that she needs to present to her class and I was quite impressed with all that she learned about Donald Driver's life and what he had overcome to be the wonderful man he is today. It is a great book and both my granddaughter and I would recommend it to others.
DD tells it Humbly and honestly
Pre-ordered 2 copies and was not disappointed. Driver tells all about his life growing up to his retirement with America's Team~The Green Bay Packers. What a wonderful down`to`earth man. Driver tells tales on and off the field which are at times quite funny. Very easy and enjoyable read. I plan to purchase more copies to give for x-mas gifts. The receiver's (lol) of this book will be entertained, enlightened, and inspired from page 1 to the very end. I hope Quickie contiunues to pen a few more books about his life, family, and perhaps a more in`depth account of his years playing as a Green Bay packer.
I really liked the book
Big DD fan, I really liked the book, so much so that I actually finished it off in a day. First time for everything. Feel like the font and spacing is larger than most to make the book thicker, that is my only knock. The story itself is pretty amazing, and it is good to see what a great person Donald has turned into coming from the background that he did. Things definitely could have turned out completely different for him. This is a good motivational book and a great read for any packer fan!
It's Donald - what is there to say!
Oh Donald. Every Packer fan who watched Donald's career will be delighted with his story. So refreshing to read the story of one of the good guys of sports, loyal to his team, no scandals, no greed for more money or the best offer out there. He is everything a sports hero should be, a man you actually want your kids to look up to. His story crosses team barriers, gives inspiration and hope to those who find themselves in unforgiving circumstances. Admittedly a Donald fan, but highly recommend this book.
A Loyal Legend
This book is inspiring. Donald tells his story with no holds barred. He takes us through his early life, where things didn't always go the way he wanted, all the way to his college years where he met the love of his life. As a Packer fan, I will always hold #80 near and dear, but his story can inspire others to strive to be the best. I keep a copy in my classroom for my students to read. It reminds them that not everyone comes from a perfect life, but they can make their own path through hard work and dedication.
Simply great
This is such a great and uplifting read. Driver holds no punches when writing about his youth and journey into young adulthood. He did his share of stealing and selling of drugs, and made no excuses. His already well-documented time with the Green Bay Packers were, to me, the highlight of the book, because he riddles the pages with plenty of anecdotes about one of my favorite sports teams and the personalities that make it up. The entire book is full of love, hope, and spirit that only Quickie could cook up!
Interesting Saga
It was encouraging to read Mr. Driver's story. As the principal of an urban school, I deal with students who have similar childhood experiences to Mr. Driver's. It's inspiring to read how he made it. I would love to have him as a guest on my book talk radio show The Reading Circle with Marc Medley. Nice job Mr. Driver. Best to you and your family.
Inspirational how hard work and perseverance can overcome
Thoroughly enjoyed Donald's life story and his honesty over some of the poor choices he made growing up and his feelings when he was drafted low down in the picks. His tenacity to keep going and work harder with a smile on his face yo achieve his goals and his love for his wife was infectious. Any Packer nation fan will love this book, but also very relevant for any football fan and also those who need a see a true story of when life gives you lemons you can make lemonade if you surround your self with family that loves you and managers and team who respect your hard work ethic.
Good, not great.
Certainly an interesting story but you could tell Donald wrote it himself instead of dictating it to a professional writer. I finished it in a few days and enjoyed it, but it read a little choppy and didn't have the smooth flow of a professional. I was also hoping (but not really expecting) to hear some real locker room dirt but, sadly, Driver is too much of a class act. All in all, not bad but not great either.
Great story
Already thought I knew everything about DD so I thought the book wouldn't be that interesting. Donald told his story with candor. He was honest about not so good choices he made. He gave credit to those who raised him, make good decisions or helped him in his career. Something you don't see too many athletes do. They think they are god but Donald frequently thanks and gives God the glory for his wife, kids, talent and career. Well written and an easy read.
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