Online campaign to bring back Donald Driver

GREEN BAY - If you watched the Packers-Vikings game last Saturday, you may have noticed a familiar face not on the field.

Donald Driver was inactive, and the future for the Packers veteran wide receiver is up in the air.

An online campaign is trying to get the attention of Packers management, and get Driver back on the field.

The two social media pages are just two days old. By Tuesday afternoon, they had almost 47,000 people who weighed in on the status of Packers wide receiver Donald Driver.

"He is a class act and I would like to see him suited up and at least getting in for a few plays on Saturday," wrote Patricia.

"Donald WAS a great player, but he should have gone out on top when we won the Super Bowl," wrote Todd.

"What a great guy," wrote Patsy.

It's an effort to see one of the most beloved Packers play at least one more time. Driver's manager says word of the campaign has reached number 80.

"I know Donald is appreciative of the outpouring of affection. At the same time, I know that he's looking to stay focused on the upcoming game, and hoping that he'll be able to contribute in any way that he can," said Brian Lammi, Donald Driver's marketing agent and business manager.

On Sunday, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said he talked to Driver about the situation.

"He's handled it very well. He's an excellent teammate. Everyone clearly understands what he means to the organization and what he's done," said McCarthy.

At Gameday Sports in Ashwaubenon, Donald has his own bobblehead, and Driver merchandise is moving. The owner says the Packers priority is winning.

"I think everyone does sense though, that this is his last hurrah. So, it would be nice sentimentally to have him out there, but you can't sacrifice what you're ultimately trying to achieve," said Michael Cleary, Gameday Sports owner.

"He's still part of the team, it's not a sad thing. He's still there with the team in spirit. Whether Donald is on the sidelines or on the field, He's still a Packer through and through," said Julie Matthews, Packers Fan.

Driver will turn 38 next month. Could this be the final year for number 80?

"He probably is starting at least to explore what those possibilities might look like. But I think at some point, Donald will make a final determination and see what happens from there," said Lammi.

The Packers may wait until the day of the game to announce Donald Driver's playing status.