The Milwaukee Post

July 5, 2013 • Milwaukee Post • 15 Driver dedicated to Dairyland MILWAUKEE – The man who's known as much for his brilliant smile as his equally brilliant career with the Green and Gold was at the Milwaukee event known for its smile logo June 26. Former Green Bay Packer Donald Driver appeared at a Summerfest kickoff event hosted by U.S. Cellular that focused on giving customers a VIP experience. Driver took a few minutes June 26 in between greeting fans, eating Wisconsin foods and listening to music to share his thoughts about attending an upcoming United Way in Waukesha County event, linebacker Desmond Bishop going to the Minnesota Vikings and Aaron Rodgers' restaurant, 8-Twelve. Driver said he is excited to be speaking for the third time at the United Way in Waukesha County's Champions in Giving event on July 13. "I love it. United Way has done so many great things in the community – worldwide," he said. "It continues to help people change their lives." Even though many companies and organizations are vying for his attention, Driver said he chooses what to dedicate his time to by what is near and dear to Previously we asked: , What is or was your favorite vacation destination? You answered: "In Wisconsin, we go north for vacation. We have a place near Two Rivers, and we explore Door County from there every year.Worldwide, our Bright, busy future The future holds many opportunities for Driver and he is open to them. He said he is happy to be retired after 14 seasons with the Packers, but is looking forward to perhaps being a TV host or on another sitcom or show. Now and in the future, though, Driver plans to stick around America's Dairyland. Recently, he was in Green Bay for the unveiling of a statue that was repainted to depict him. Driver said he has other appearances booked for Wisconsin this summer and he may even stop at 8-Twelve MVP Bar & Grill, the all-time favorite place is Barcelona, Spain.We will be visiting it again later this year. Both places have nice folks and lots to see and do." – Noah Borkenhagen Franklin "My favorite place is Upper Michigan. It's beautiful and pristine. It's a wilderness paradise and a perfect getaway." – Janet LaMere South Milwaukee restaurant associated with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Milwaukee Brewers leftfielder Ryan Braun. "I am always going to stay here. I am dedicated to Wisconsin," Driver said. Although Driver remains as devoted as ever to his adopted state and loyal to the Packers, he also understands why former teammates decide to play for rival teams. "I am kind of okay with that," he said. "I think the thing that people need to understand is this is a business." Driver said being an NFL player is very different from working at a normal job where you give two weeks' notice. "They can't play for Green Bay so they have to go somewhere that they can play," he said. There are many players who have gone on to play for other teams, including Bishop, who recently joined the Vikings, and former quarterback Brett Favre, who went on to the New York Jets and the Vikings. Driver said "I take my hat off" to the players who decide to go to another team. He said it can be a matter of taking care of the individual player's family. "It's hard to justify who should stay with who or who should retire," Driver said. "They live, sleep and eat football." Question of the week Milwaukee County has proposed wage requirements for workers at a proposed Innovation Park hotel in Wauwatosa. Good idea or not? Call 744-6370, Ext. 15 and leave a brief answer to the Question of the Week along with your full name with spelling, phone number and city. No address is required. 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In the future, Driver said, he wants to help with cancer causes. "Now I want to focus on cancer Driver research because my dad passed away from cancer and I lost a good friend last year from cancer," he said. 233161032 By KATHERINE MICHALETS Special to The Post 233161096 Former Packer talks future, teammates, more

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