Derek Jeter was spotted at the Michigan Wolverines vs. Texas Longhorns game. But before your eyebrows rise, it wasn’t just to enjoy their game as usual. The Hall of Famer was honored by the Wolverines to come there as their honorary captain. Jeter was there supporting the team that is also very close to his heart. But he wasn’t alone; he was there with Chris Webber. And on the Texas end, they had big names supporting them too, like Michael Phelps and even Matthew McConaughey. Plus, the audience was entertained by the lovely banter and conversations the stars brought to the field. 

Now you might wonder, What does a baseball legend do on a football field? Well, Michigan Wolverines need a boost of energy right now more than ever. The team is already struggling as their lineup isn’t as strong as last year’s title-winning squad. Jeter admits that he doesn’t know a thing about football, but he gave them a speech—but he doubts if anyone took away much from it!

Derek Jeter’s advice to Michigan Wolverines before the big game!

The New York Yankee legend Derek Jeter was brought in to give a locker room speech before the big game on Saturday. Most famously referred to as ‘Captain Clutch,’  Derek Jeter is one of the most successful captains in baseball, having led his team to five world champions. But even he isn’t sure how well the players took it, given he has zero experience in the sport.

Derek Jeter said at the Big Noon Kickoff Show on Fox, “Having absolutely zero experience playing football in my life, I don’t know if anything registered with them.” Then was he chosen? Well, the reason is deeper than just his merits and stats! 

For Derek Jeter, Michigan has a special place in his heart. Although he was born in New Jersey, he moved with his family to Michigan. He attended his school, and that’s when his love for baseball started taking center stage. And Jeter excelled, after which he won the USA Tokay High School Baseball Player of the Month. This just catapulted his entire journey and shaped him to be where he is. So when Thomas Cook from FOX asked Jeter what Michigan means to him, he simply said, “It’s where I grew up.” He was there wholeheartedly supporting the Wolverines.

But the Wolverines have been struggling, and the team this year and last year have vast differences—given a change in the squad. But Jeter was there and mentioned that he advised the team to handle their business like a defending champion and always look toward the top. “I think it’s just basically sharing a message, a message of when you’re on top, when you’re winning and trying to repeat, do it again. I mean, sustainability over time is very, very challenging, and they hope to do that this year,” said Jeter. But the Michigan Wolverines walked away with a rather unfortunate loss.

Derek Jeter’s advice falls fat for the Michigan Wolverines

Derek Jeter has given locker room advice to his Yankee teammates for 12 long years, but his advice to the Michigan Wolverines seems to have fallen flat! The game between the Wolverines and the Longhorns was certainly a one-sided affair, and Texas highlighted their status as a national title contender. And Michigan struggled the entire time!

The Wolverines failed to have a rhythm or a constituency, and their offense struggled. The Longhorns converted 8 of 10 third-down attempts in the first half, keeping the Wolverines’ defense on the field and putting the game out of reach early. Not just that, even their defense was in poor shape—as Colston Loveland accidentally fumbled the ball after catching a pass late in the first half!

Davis Warren, who was brought in as a passer, wasn’t in his element. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 204 yards. Michigan Wolverines were a force to be reckoned with last year, and their offense was dynamic, led by first-round pick J.J. McCarthy and playmakers like Loveland and Roman Wilson. 

This year, the Wolverine squad lacks that same potency, and that made Texas easier to solidify the game and finish at 31-12! Well, the Wolverines sure have to buckle up and maybe replay all the motivating things that Jeter had mentioned in the locker room—after all, he is a 5x champion!