Derek Jeter Once Invited Two NFL Legends to Watch Him Play Live In His Final Season

Having played baseball for over two decades, Derek Jeter entertained an era in baseball. Notably, when the former Yankees captain bid farewell to the game, it was nothing but a tragedy for baseball fans. Jeter was one of the very rare MLB stars who had an unmatched reputation that went beyond MLB.

Not many people know, but when Jeter played his retirement year, two NFL legends came to witness his greatness for the last time in the ballpark.

For those unversed, the two NFL legends were none other than the Manning brother; Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. Just like Jeter, Peyton and Eli were also champion players in their sport. While playing in the NFL for over 15 years, the Manning brothers achieved the pinnacle for their respective teams.

Yankees legend Derek Jeter invited Eli and Peyton Manning to the Bronx to watch him play in his last season

In 2014, Derek Jeter invited his close friends and NFL legends, Peyton and Eli Manning, to see him play. Jeter only invited his close friends and family to watch him play. Per a 2014 report from The Denver Post, “Jeter hosted the famous quarterbacks in his Yankee Stadium suite along the first base line.”

Jeter and Peyton had met many years prior while endorsing the same sports drink. They built a friendship over the years and the former Broncos QB was nothing but grateful for the same.

Read More: $200 Million MLB Icon Derek Jeter Once Revealed His Winter Job in a Comic Fashion on a Popular Television Show

While speaking to The Denver Post, the older Manning brother said, “I’ve really appreciated Derek’s friendship. He’s supported me through my career, I try to do the same for him and it’s been a unique friendship.”

Unfortunately, the New York Yankees ended up losing the game to the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1. Jeter said that it was good to see his friends but admitted that winning would have been better “We would have liked to have won”.

Jeter finally retired later that year:

Derek Jeter retired after the 2014 season and called an end to his illustrious career with the Yankees. The Captain finished his career having won 5 World Series titles and several other individual honors. And to honor his legacy, the Pinstripes also retired the Captain’s iconic jersey no. #2 in 2017.

Watch This Story: From Babe Ruth To Derek Jeter: New York Yankees Icons Whose Jersey Number Has Been Retired 

Furthermore, Jeter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020, which was an acknowledgment of his achievements. Since Jeter does not play the game anymore, do you think the Yankees have found a successful heir to their legendary captain? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!