Donald Driver absent from OTAs

ASHWAUBENON - When the Green Bay Packers organized team activities start, it means the start of a new season.

However, one veteran player and fan favorite was missing from Tuesday’s practice.

Wide receiver Donald Driver has one last dance to perform on "Dancing with the Stars," and is in the running for the show’s mirrorball trophy.

So do fans think Driver has what it takes to bring a trophy, beside the Lombardi, home?

Tynea Johnson, 9, of Bowler sure thinks so.

“Because he's like a superstar!" said Johnson, who is on a fieldtrip to Ray Nitschke Field for the OTAs.

And Driver's Packers teammates are also excited about tonight.

"I voted last night a bunch of times, so, hopefully, he can bring that mirrorball back," said Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

"Looking forward for Donald to win tonight,” said Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. “I mean, I thought he was great last night and I know he's excited about it... but he's also, he's excited to get back to Green Bay."

Driver's second, country-themed dance Monday night, wearing green and gold was a fan favorite of Jackie Newell of Seattle.

"And as soon as he came out, I'm like, 'The green and gold!'" said Newell, who is on vacation to Green Bay.

However, Newell hopes this coming season won’t be his last dance with the team. She hopes he has several dances left.

"I hope that he gets two more years and retires and not have to make a decision to go to a different team," said Newell.

"He definitely deserves, at least one to two more years and I think the “Dancing with the Stars” can only help him athletically," said Mike Smith, also of Seattle.

However, his future with the team has been in question since the end of last season.

Driver has one year left on his contract and there have been concerns he might not be back for that final year.

"Obviously he's a great guy, great leader on this team,” said Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson. “He's been around a long time and knows the ins and outs of everything. So, it'd be great, obviously, to keep him here."

Driver has spent his entire 13-year career with the Packers. He was drafted by the team in 1999. He is the franchise's all-time leader in catches and yards receiving.