One of the most popular events of the Green Bay Packers offseason is the charity softball game that is hosted by the team’s franchise-leading receiver Donald Driver. The annual event, which was held on Friday night, drew fans from all over who came to watch their favorite Packers players participate in a pre-game home run derby and charity game.
There was something a little different about last night’s event, though. Instead of hosting it by himself, Driver shared hosting duties with current Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love. Later, Driver announced that this year’s event was his last, and he is hereby passing the torch to Love.
In his explanation to reporters, he made one big prediction about Love’s future in Green Bay.
Donald Driver Predicts that Jordan Love Will Be a Green Bay Packers Legend
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
During his interview with reporters, Driver explained that charity softball game started with Brett Favre, who eventually passed hosting duties to him. For a while, Driver had passed on the role of host to former Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who eventually gave it back to Driver.
This time, though, Driver appears to let the next generation of Packers take on the responsibility of hosting. When explaining why he was handing the reigns over to Love, Driver said:
“And now, I have this opportunity to pass it to what I feel is the future quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, Jordan Love. I’ve said it before, he deserves it. And so now, it’s time for the legend that I think, and I know, that he will become, is to pass the torch to him.”
As can be read in Driver’s statement, he believes that Love will become a Packers’ legend by the time his career is over. That is certainly high praise from a wide receiver who caught passes from both Favre and Aaron Rodgers, two franchise legends in their own right.
One can only imagine what being a “Packers legend” will involve for Love. It could be setting passing records, winning MVP’s, winning a Super Bowl (or two), or a combination of all of these things.
When asked about if he would at least come back to participate in the game, Driver said that, if he is invited, he will 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
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
During the festivities, it was announced that Love has launched a new charitable foundation called the “Hands of 10ve Foundation.” Its mission is to encourage kids to participate in sports as well as bring awareness to mental health and suicide. Additionally, it aims to help unite law enforcement with the community.
Many fans may remember that Love lost his father, a police officer, to suicide. Love was just 14 years old when his father died.
Last night’s charity softball game was the first time the game was played to benefit Love’s new foundation. In recent years, funds raised from the event went towards the Donald Driver Foundation and other charities.
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