Donald Driver retiring as the Green Bay Charity Softball Game’s host

APPLETON, Wis. — Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver announced Friday he is retiring as the Green Bay Charity Softball Game’s host.

Driver has been a key figure for the annual charity game. He’s handing off those duties to Packers quarterback Jordan Love.  

 “The legend that I think and I know that he will become is to pass the torch to him,” said Driver. “Donald’s walking away from the softball game is officially his retirement.”

Love said he is honored to take over as host of the annual softball game. The Packers quarterback also announced his new charitable foundation: “Hands of Love.”

He said he excited to get it started and see its impact on the community.

(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)

“Our mission statement is really to give back [to] kids and try and get kids involved in sports. Try to bring the police department and sheriff’s department into the community more. And support people that are going through mental health issues and bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide, because these are three things that are very close to home with myself and my story,” Love said. 

Plenty of fans turned out to see Driver, Love and some of their other favorite players.

Army veteran Alexander O’Neill brought his family to the game. It was his first time at the charity event held at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

O’Neill said he cherishes moments like these.

(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)

“I want them to enjoy the Packers as much as I do,” said O’Neill. “This is a great way, fun way, to introduce them to games and stuff like that.”

Although Driver will no longer be a part of the event, he said he can look back on his time with it and smile.

“We’ve had sellout crowds for 20-something years and we hit another one today,” said Driver. “I don’t think that is ever going to stop. The fans embrace us; for me to retire 11 years ago and still be able to sell out a softball game is truly amazing. That tells you what the fans mean to me and what I mean to them.”

(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)

Funds raised at the Green Bay Charity Softball Game benefit local nonprofit groups and Packers players charities.