Driver: Dairy industry, Packers are similar

MADISON One of the greatest football players in NFL history says Wisconsin’s dairy industry and the Green Bay Packers are both unique and have three things in common. Wide Receiver Donald Driver, who was a keynote speaker at the annual business conference of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, says leadership, tradition and teamwork are characteristics shared by members of both groups. Driver told the crowd of nearly 1,400 people that they are champions of their game, just like the Packers were champions of last year’s Super Bowl. “You are the world’s top cheesemakers, and in my book, the world’s dairy capital,” Driver said. “For me to stand here and think about my place in Packer history, it’s very humbling. The same is true for all of you, and your place in this industry.” Driver shared a personal story about the Packer’s 2011 Super Bowl experience. That’s when he suffered an ankle injury just before half-time, which took him out of the game. “At first, I didn’t want to go out there and face everyone,” he said. “But I came to realize that my team needed my support, even if it was from just the sidelines.” He says it always takes a team effort to win — whether in a football game or in everyday life. He said people begin to become successful the very minute they start to believe in themselves. Known for being one of the most inspiring players in the NFL, Driver grew up homeless and worked his way to the NFL. Throughout his career, he has been very active off the field, making over 300 charitable appearances since his rookie season in 1999. Ten years ago, he and his wife created the ‘Donald Driver Foundation,’ which offers assistance to ill children with unmanageable hospital bills, provides housing for the homeless and donates to a variety of local charities. This past September, he broke the Packers all-time receiving yardage record, surpassing James Lofton.