Former Packers wide receiver Donald Driver is stepping up in a big way for his alma mater, Alcorn State. The Super Bowl champ and four-time Pro Bowler is bringing his Driven Elite brand to the HBCU in a new partnership set to launch on January 20. The initiative, part of Driven Elite’s New Year, New Kickoff campaign, is all about putting student-athletes first - not just on the field, but in every aspect of their lives.
This isn’t just a feel-good PR move. Driver’s making a real investment in the total wellness of Alcorn State’s athletes, with a particular emphasis on mental health - an area that’s finally getting the attention it deserves in the world of college athletics. The partnership is designed to support both men's and women's programs, with tailored resources that go beyond the weight room or playbook.
Driver’s vision is clear: build a safe, empowering environment where athletes can grow as leaders, develop mental toughness, and find purpose beyond sports. He’s been vocal about the link between mental health and performance, and this initiative is structured to reflect that. It’s not just about winning games - it’s about building people.
One of the standout elements of the partnership is the SURGE program, which is focused on female student-athletes. This initiative is all about helping women embrace their identity, act with intention, and make an impact wherever they go - whether that’s in competition, the classroom, or their communities. As part of SURGE, Alcorn’s women’s teams will receive new gear and customized nutrition plans, giving them tools to compete at the highest level while taking care of their bodies and minds.
On the men’s side, the focus leans heavily into mental health support. That includes access to a new app connecting athletes with licensed mental health professionals - privately and on their own terms. It’s a move that recognizes the unique pressures today’s college athletes face and gives them a lifeline that’s both accessible and stigma-free.
Driver, who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level, sees Alcorn State as the perfect place to plant these seeds. “Alcorn State is the ideal place for these programs to grow, and I am honored to be part of this movement with Driven Elite at my alma mater,” he said.
Alcorn State athletic director D’Wayne Robinson echoed that sentiment, especially when it comes to the impact on women’s sports. “SURGE represents our commitment to elevating women’s sports and ensuring our female student-athletes have access to the resources, guidance, and support they need to excel,” Robinson said.
This partnership isn’t just about building better athletes - it’s about building stronger people. And with Driver at the helm, Alcorn State’s student-athletes are getting more than just support - they’re getting a blueprint for long-term success.