Derek Jeter’s commencement speech at the University of Michigan “If I can promise you one thing for certain: You will fail”

Throughout his illustrious 20-year career in the MLB, Derek Jeter was one of the most successful and most celebrated players in the league.

A 14-time MLB All-Star, Jeter played his entire career with the New York Yankees and was a key part of the all-conquering Yankees team that won four championships in five years around the turn of the century.

But while he has become synonymous with New York, he briefly played college baseball for the Michigan Wolverines. He spent just one semester at the University of Michigan before being drafted, but returned after 33 years to officially graduate from college.

He received the honorary degree on Sunday, May 4 and served as the commencement speaker for the University of Michigan Class of 2025 a day earlier. His comments were made in front of nearly 70,000 people at Michigan Stadium.

“Since I’ve had a head start on life, I’ll share insights into what’s to come,” Jeter told a the crowd. “How you approached today, and every day, is a choice — your choice. Your life will ultimately be framed by the choices you make.”

Derek Jeter on the important of failure

Jeter still holds countless franchise records for the Yankees, including most hits, most stolen bases and most games played. He enjoyed an extraordinarily successful career, but on Saturday he chose to focus a portion of his speech on the failures that he had endured.

“If I can promise you one thing for certain: You will fail,” the 50-year-old said.

“I failed publicly. I failed miserably. There were days I literally cried because I was so bad. My first season as a professional, I made 56 errors. For the non-baseball fans, that’s hard to do intentionally.”

He continued: “It’s your job to make sure that a speed bump doesn’t become a roadblock.”

He ended his remarks by turning his focus to the University of Michigan, a place that he had only spent a few months, 33 years ago. He thanked the college for having welcomed him back for the event and told graduates that they will cherish these memories.

“These past few years have been some of the best of your life. This place, the people who have surrounded and supported you and helped shape who you are. You will always be a Michigan Wolverine,” Jeter said.

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