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via Getty

via Getty

Building a successful MLB career is difficult, especially with the high expectations of the fans on top superstars. But Alex Rodriguez ignored those expectations and forged his own path. This led to many accolades and honors. Rodriguez once shared an iconic quote from Michael Jordan while speaking about his top career motivations.?

The Yankees legend truly respects Jordan as an athlete and businessman. In fact, he once credited the Chicago Bulls legend among others for his trademark style. But in a 2020 interview, he paid homage to Jordan by quoting him while talking about his top career motivation.?

Alex Rodriguez said that his top motivation was to be the best that he could be

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Alex Rodriguez was not bothered by other people?s expectations of him. The New York Yankees legend was content setting his own goals and achieving them. In 2020, ?The Last Dance? came out, chronicling Michael Jordan and the Bulls? 1997-98 season and other parts of his career. During an interview discussing the docuseries, A-Rod quoted Jordan while talking about his biggest career motivation. He said that all he ever wanted was to be the best he could be and live up to his own potential.

During the interview with Sports Illustrated, Rodriguez said, ?One of my favorite quotes from Michael is, ?Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.? The truth is, you wake up every day and you?re either motivated or you?re not. I found motivation in wanting to be the best that I can be, reach 100 percent of my potential. Not necessarily what others? potential was, but my potential.??

Read More: Alex Rodriguez Reminisces Iconic 2009 Moment While Touring His $1 Billion Venture?s Office With His Mother & Sister

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This was an honest answer from A-Rod. The legendary infielder dealt with several off-the-field issues that hampered his career. Furthermore, experts, fans, and teammates had extremely high expectations of Rodriguez throughout his career.

Why did Rodriguez face such high expectations??

The reason that Alex Rodriguez felt so strongly about meeting his own potential was because of the pressure he faced. Furthermore, comparisons with fellow superstars such as Derek Jeter put him in a difficult place. Rodriguez broke the MLB record for the highest contract twice during his career. This, along with high expectations and comparisons to other stars, left him in a difficult position. It led to a lot of issues in his career, but he was able to overcome them and achieve his goals.

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Watch This Story:??We were able to move very quickly? ? When Alex Rodriguez jumped from the Mets to the Timberwolves within days?

What do you think of Alex Rodriguez quoting Michael Jordan while stating his biggest career motivation? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.