NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces Nick Perry (Southern California) as the number twenty-eight overall pick to the Green Bay Packers in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve been blasted with NFL Draft information overload the past month with the short circuit about to occur today – no doubt for all football fans- including us in Packers Nation.

The questions have been flying fast and furious, with few concrete answers. In fact, nobody knows the mind of Ted Thompson. Will he trade out of the first round? Will he select a defensive lineman? Offensive lineman? Safety? Running back? Linebacker?

Will he draft to toughen the Packers because everyone thinks the team is soft and undersized? Will he go (nearly) all defense once again this year like he did last year or flip the tables and draft for the offense.

I know, it’s all overwhelming and pure speculation, but that’s what makes the anticipation so much fun.

So instead of trying to answer all those questions myself, I’ll provide you some links to peruse. Check out what Packers media is saying about it all – but don’t forget to check out all the posts we have written here over the past few weeks – dig into our archives and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below, Liking us on Facebook and/or following us on Twitter.

Packers Nation shall remain strong though the forces of evil attempt to disrupt (OK, so we hope you know this is tongue-in-cheek).
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

I just unlocked myself from the panic room as the black SUVs were parked out front of the house again.  It seems Emperor Goodell will not leave me alone for exposing his conspiracy to end the glorious reign of the Packers.

Over the past few weeks rumors have swirled like a spring tornado in Kansas that this free agent or that free agent was going to sign with the Green and Gold.  All disinformation I tell you!  From Chris Canty to Ahmad Bradshaw to Michael Huff and even Colt McCoy, names are being thrown around left and right with a greater purpose.  All of this is part of the NFL’s master plan to divide the Packers Nation.

Time and time again, articles are written how this great free agent acquisition will bolster the Packers and lead them to their next championship.  Then after creating a false hope among the weaker fans of Packers Nation, the NFL then orchestrates that player signing with another team.  Then they start a new set of stories how the Packers refused to step up to the plate and make a legitimate offer.  Smoke, mirrors and confusion are all used to create tension and frustration.

The latest had the Packers interested in Michael Huff.  How he would be a great fit for the Packers but he decided to sign with the Ravens, even before meeting with the Packers.  Talk radio exploded about how Huff bypassed the Packers so he would not be insulted by their lack of a qualified offer for his services.  These talking heads will spew anything to support the hand that feeds them.  How can the Packers be criticized for not even offering something to a player who never even came for a visit?

This has many of the fringe elements of the Packers Nation calling for the head of Ted Thompson for not going out and getting these players.  I am starting to think that many of these fans are either cyborgs or the NFL plants who are in on the conspiracy to destroy the Packers Nation from within.

My question is why?  Why question Ted and his master plan to defeat the forces of darkness that conspire against us?  We all know that his theory is to draft and develop and that for the most part this process has served the Packers well and brought us great fortunes.  Why question the financial blueprint in place for the continued financial success of the Packers.

Donald Driver had a difficult final season in 2012. He spent much of it watching from the sideline. But he never complained and was always the true professional.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Donald Driver in all his elegance, grace, honesty and integrity gave all he had for 14 years with the Green Bay Packers.

He told every fan in Packers Nation today that this day wasn’t all about him; it was also about the fans. For without the fans, Driver understands he would be just another man going about his business.

But because of his tremendous skills on the gridiron, his life skills elevated him to another level … something few could ever experience. People love Donald Driver not only because of his ability to catch footballs; they love him because he cared about those around him. He was right – though it was declared as Donald Driver Day here in the state of Wisconsin – this was about much more than just Donald Driver. He said it in his speech today. He didn’t talk about the 700-plus catches for more than 10,000 yards – he talked about all of the individuals who made those feats possible. Those who believed in him as a young man, those who gave him the chance, those who believed he could do it.

Everyone likes to be loved; Donald understands that, but he knows it must be reciprocated for it to mean anything. He did just that.

So, as we close out this Donald Driver Day, let’s take his message with us; Let’s make the spirit of Donald’s message our rallying cry as we move ahead.

Thanks again for everything, Donald. We will never forget.

Wilde found the Driver quote from a past story, but what Driver says is so Donald. It’s the reason Packers Nation has taken him into their collective psyche and made him as big as he deserves to be. Driver understands respect. That if you show respect of others, they will surely return the favor.

Take a peek at what Driver has to say in this quote. Let it sink in and then compare it to others who have gone before him and will come behind him. If only others could read and reflect on this we might be living in a better world.

Thanks to Jason for sharing this with us and thanks for Donald for his honesty and integrity …

Donald Driver heads downfield after catching a pass from Aaron Rodgers against Tampa Bay in 2011.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

“I would’ve never expected this in a million years. When I walked in here in 1999, I would’ve never expected to have the fan base that I have now,” Driver said at his annual charity softball game this summer. “I think you treat people like you want to be treated. I don’t put myself on a pedestal – they do. And when they put me on that pedestal, I bring myself back down to earth, knowing I’m just a normal human being. I think now they see that. I think not just the Packers fans see that and Packer Nation sees that, but the world sees that now: That I am a good guy, a great father, a great Christian man, and a great husband. And to me, that’s what I wanted to show the world.

“I want to stay in the community. When I leave here, I want to continue to have my stamp here. I think some players, they leave and they never come back. I’ve always wanted to come back and I’m going to continue to come back. My wife already said we’re keeping our house in Green Bay, so we’re not getting rid of that. We may rent it out to one of the players, but we’re going to keep it and we’re going to continue to support the community just like the community has supported me.”

The Packers faithful are the best on the planet ... at least according to this one writer's opinion. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When you consider all of the sports teams in the world and all the sports nuts out there who follow those teams, you’ve got to understand that each one of those fans believe they are part of a collective sports nation they feel are the best on the planet.

How many times have you heard the owner, coach or player from a championship team exclaim how great they have it? “We’ve got the best fans in the world.” I know you’ve heard it many, many times before.

Well, now Packers fans have reason to believe it – at least if one takes note of this report posted to the Internet today.

As one of those firm believers in Packers Nation, I have no reason not to believe it.

Either way, take a look at the report filed and consider its accuracy. No doubt, you’re a Packers fan if you’re reading this, but just in case you’re not all I can say at this point is “nyanananana!”