Muhammad Ali will go down probably as the greatest athlete of all time. He was more than an athlete. Ali was truly The People’s Champion. Earlier in 2016, when the G.O.A.T. boxer breathed his last, people across the world grieved at his death. And former Yankees captain Derek Jeter was also one of them.

Ali was probably the only athlete who utilized the most out of his athletic platform to challenge people in power for social change. Be it in the ring or outside the ring, Ali was a staunch champion. He was someone who dared to speak against the ill things about society and set an example. And considering his dedication towards the weaker section of society, he became their voice. Such was the character of Mohammad Ali.

Not only Derek Jeter, but Ali also inspired generations with his actions. And even though he is no more among us, the legendary boxer will continue to inspire the upcoming generations. When Ali died, just like everyone, Jeter also paid tribute to the sporting icon.

Derek Jeter was in awe of Mohammad Ali’s personality

When talking about Derek Jeter, the former shortstop was one of the best to grace the ballparks. With five World Series titles for the New York Yankees, Jeter had a memorable career in Major League Baseball.

Per NY Daily News, when Ali died, Jeter paid tribute to the legendary boxer through his digital platform, The Players’ Tribune. The former Yankees captain was in awe of Ali’s character. Jeter also appreciated Ali for being an example for many athletes.

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“He was one of the first athletes to speak his mind. And that opened the door for the many who do so today. He always stood up for what he believed, no matter what the cost,” Jeter wrote via The Players’ Tribune.

Read more: ‘Something That Caught Me off Guard’- Yankees Legend Derek Jeter on Being Viewed as ‘Racially Neutral’ Throughout Historic MLB Career

“Ali was also the first to bring real personality to sports, and by that I mean he was always himself, no matter who he was with or where he was. He freed us all in that way.”

Debuted in the 1995 season, Derek Jeter bid farewell to the game in 2014. Considering his dedication and contribution to the game, MLB honored him with the Hall of Fame induction in 2020.

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What was your reaction when you got to know that Muhammad Ali was no more?