Awed by Michael Jordan Owning His Last All-Star Game, Derek Jeter Innocently Ignored a Future NFL Legend Fending off Fans to Introduce Himself: “Derek, I’m…”

MLB is over a 140-year-old league. To date, this game has witnessed several legends come and go. But Derek Jeter was different. He was neither the best hitter in the game nor created any controversies in his career. And still, he is in the same company as Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and a few more MLB legends.

What makes him so special to deserve all the praise in the world? It was his humbleness, being polite and respectful to everyone. Back in 1998, Jeter was a new sensation in MLB. But still, his one act of generosity gave a lifetime experience to a budding NFL star.

When Derek Jeter made the day of the future NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning

Per “The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter,” a book based on Jeter’s life, he along with Alex Rodriguez, attended Michael Jordan’s final-season game with the Bulls in 1998. Jeter was at the peak of his baseball career.

And considering his massive popularity, a sea of fans greeted the young Yankee during half-time of the game. Jeter couldn’t say hello to everyone. But when a young man emerged his hand from the crowd and shouted his name, Jeter could not stop but meet him.

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He was a budding football player, who was trying to make it big in the NFL. He introduced himself to Jeter. “Derek, I’m Peyton Manning. You’re having some career,” said a young Manning.

Little did Jeter know this young football player will go on to become an NFL star in the future. Notably, a 2-time Super Bowl champ, Peyton Manning is an NFL Hall of Famer. To think of this incident on this date, that ten-second meet might not be a big deal for Jeter, but it made Manning’s whole day.

Jeter: A symbol for the Yankees

Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees were the perfect matches. Before Jeter arrived in the Bronx, the Yankees went trophyless for about 15 years. His gameplay and leadership changed the fortune of the pinstripes.

WATCH THIS STORY: New York Yankees Legend Derek Jeter Scripted The Perfect End To His Career With This Iconic Walk-off Single

With Jeter by their side, the Yankees won four World Series in the span of five years between 1996 and 2000. He became a fan favorite for the Yankees fans. The Yankees achieved the pinnacle under Jeter’s leadership.

Do you think the Yankees will ever find someone as good as their former captain?