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A-Rod, Erin Andrews Lead Reactions to Yankees Legend’s Latest Honor

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 7, 2025 12:30 AM ET

The love flowed for former New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter on Monday.

“Awesome! Congrats!” wrote Erin Andrews.
“Congratulations brother,” added Darryl Strawberry.
The emoji clapping hands was all Alex Rodriguez needed to show his approval.
David Ortiz, true to form, offered: “Congratulations mi amigo..” also with clapping hands emojis.

Jeter’s honorary degree from the University of Michigan might have taken 33 years to land, but the support rolled in on Instagram immediately.

The Yankees legend returned to Ann Arbor on Sunday to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and deliver the school’s commencement address. It was a full-circle moment for the shortstop who once committed to play at Michigan before going pro out of high school in 1992.

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A post shared by Derek Jeter (@derekjeter)

“Took longer than I planned since enrolling at Michigan fall of ‘92 to make it to graduation!” Jeter wrote in his Instagram caption. “Thank you @uofmichigan for the honorary Doctor of Laws degree and inviting me to give the commencement speech. Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Go Blue!”

Jeter spoke in front of roughly 10,000 graduates and emphasized what he believes separates people in life and in careers: passion.
“The key to what’s going to separate you is passion: passion for what you do, passion for who you are,” he told the crowd.

He also reminded them that failure isn't fatal. In his first pro season, Jeter made 56 errors—and kept going.

It was another milestone in a career that’s gone from the field to the front office to the Hall of Fame and is now exploring the business world.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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