Derek Jeter established himself as one of baseball’s greatest ever. It would be hard to imagine him playing any other sport. But during his childhood, the New York Yankees legend experimented with various sports, with a passion for baseball shining through. But despite trying everything, there was one sport he left out.
This is surprising considering Jeter’s competitive nature and drive to be the best. No matter his sport, the Bronx Bombers legend gave it his all. Furthermore, he would try out many tips and tricks. But there was this one sport he avoided.
Derek Jeter Avoided Football During His Childhood
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During High School, Derek Jeter played baseball and basketball while running cross-country. But the former Yankees legend had experimented with many other sports during his youth. While recently appearing on the Black Diamonds podcast by Sirius XM, he touched upon this subject.
Despite his experimental nature and love of trying out new games, Jeter revealed that he never played football as a youngster. But the former shortstop did not mention a reason why.
Entertaining an interesting admission on one sport he didn’t touch, during the podcast, Jeter said, “Back in the day, kids didn’t specialize in one particular sport. They played everything, you know?”
“So, when I grew up, I played baseball, played basketball, I played soccer; I tried tennis. I tried everything with an exception of football.”
But despite his interest in various sports, he had a love for baseball very early on. In fact, shortly after Jeter’s passion for baseball was questioned, he confirmed it.
Like many other people, the Yankees legend had a motivator that started his love for baseball.
Jeter’s Dad Was His First Baseball Role Model
In the podcast, Derek Jeter reiterated his love for baseball shortly after revealing his aversion to football. He said that despite playing other sports, he always loved baseball the most. While revealing the reason, the Yankees legend said his father was his first role model.
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He watched his father play in corporate softball leagues and thought he was the best player. This started his intense love for the game.
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But despite loving sports, Derek Jeter never got around to liking football. What do you think about the Yankees legend avoiding playing that one sport?
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