Green Bay Packers legend Donald Driver is renowned for his involvement in the community, and just because he’s retired, doesn’t mean he’s stopped giving back. This year, Driver is teaming up with Master Lock to launch their “Community Champions” program. Through September 1, Master Lock will recognize role models through a call for online story submissions, spotlighting those who go above and beyond for a chance to win big prizes.

If you know someone who embodies what it means to be a hero within their community, visit masterlock.com/100-years/community-champions and upload their photo along with a story that shares their impact. The grand prize winner will receive 1) $5,000 cash, 2) a Master Lock product donation to be used in their community, and 3) a $1,000 donation to one of Master Lock's pre-selected charities supporting education, the environment, and basic human needs. Five honorees will also receive 1) $500 cash, 2) $500 in product, and 3) $500 to one of the three pre-selected charities.  

I was able to interview Driver about all things Packers, including Jordan Love, Green Bay’s situation at wide receiver, and what he thinks about Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Driver was a part of the transition from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers, which gives him an interesting perspective toward the current quarterback situation in Green Bay. Driver was already an established Pro-Bowl receiver when the reins were handed to Rodgers, and he continued to produce after Rodgers took over. Driver had back-to-back seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards while catching passes from Rodgers, but he never took it upon himself to offer guidance to his new starting quarterback. According to Driver, the best thing for a young player is to become a sponge.

“I never said anything to Aaron,” said Driver. “Jordan Love just has to sit back and watch—see what it takes to be a champion and see what it takes to be an elite player in the NFL, and I think he can do that.”

Driver is higher on Love than most of the fanbase. Driver practiced with Rodgers for years before he became the starter, witnessing his development first hand. When he first arrived in Green Bay, Rodgers was nowhere close to the player he is today. Driver said it takes trust and opportunity for a player to reach their full potential, and that also applies to Love.

As Driver watched the 2020 NFL Draft unfold and the Packers announced Love as the 26th overall pick, he shared the same reaction as most viewers.  

“I was shocked just like everyone else was that they didn’t go out and get a receiver, but I think that’s what the organization is going to do, they always build in-house, and they’ve been very successful doing it that way,” he said.

Driver, having been with the team for 14 years, knows how things work in Green Bay. The Packers have been successful in player development than other franchises and, as a result, rarely dip their toe into free agency.

It has brought the team success in the form of division titles and NFC Championship appearances, but they are still waiting to get over the final hump. Perhaps they can do something that will help this team reach the Super Bowl next year by addressing their needs via the draft. Among the most pressing needs is finding a wide receiver who can help this offense in the near future.

Undoubtedly, Green Bay has to address the wide receiver position in this year’s draft. No one is under contract following the 2021 season, and now is the time to get new faces in the building to start developing new pass catchers. Maybe this is the year they try something different. Before Driver retired in 2013, the team spent multiple draft picks on receivers with varying skill sets. Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Randall Cobb were all drafted during Driver’s career, but each one brought something different to the offense.

When you look at Green Bay’s current group of wide receivers, they clearly have a type. You need to be big, long and have good straight-line speed. However, Driver thinks the offense could benefit from a different skillset, particularly a slot receiver, who can serve as a chains mover.

“We didn’t have a lot of big guys when I played,” Driver said. “I think they do need someone they can trust to put in the slot and go across the middle because I think that is something they are lacking right now.”

Driver went on to point out how the offense is too reliant on big plays. Whether it’s targeting Davante Adams or Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the Packers place a strong emphasis on getting chunk plays. It worked out well in 2020, but in the future, opposing defenses may try to limit big plays. That could present problems if Green Bay doesn’t have another receiver outside of Adams who can get open underneath and create yards after the catch.

“They need that guy that can get in the dirt and get grimy,” as Driver put it.

Over the last two seasons, Driver has enjoyed watching Matt LaFleur’s offense, and his thoughts should make Packers fans feel good about what they have in their head coach.

“Matt has an amazing offense scheme,” he said. “I’ve watched his scheme, and I love it.”

Armed with one of the best coaches in the game and an MVP quarterback, Driver doesn’t think it will take much for this team to get over the hump and back to the Super Bowl.