Derek Jeter attended the University of Michigan in 1992, but left the school in 1993 after being selected by the New York Yankees in the draft. Now, after all these years, on May 3, he appeared in front of 70,000 people there, with a rollercoaster of emotions.

Undoubtedly, it was more exciting for the freshly graduated students – probably, a once-in-a-lifetime pep talk from the Yankee legend. Addressing the University of Michigan’s 2025 spring commencement, Jeter shared how he traveled the road to success cemented with hard work, perseverance, and determination. But what stood apart during the speech was Derek Jeter’s wife, Hannah Davis Jeter, delivering a three-word message that soon became the talk of the town.

Derek Jeter was awarded the honorary Doctor of Laws degree. And with this respectful gesture to the legend came a loving note from Mrs. Jeter. Her story on Instagram read, “One of us received a degree today.”

Following this, there was another captioned, “It wasn’t me,” with an emoji, injecting humor. Though the latter was intended to bring some sarcasm,  Hannah’s picture with her husband holding the degree received a round of applause. Jeter, though unfazed about other things, delivered an emotional speech that responded to the remarks made by the UM administrators, faculty, and also, student speakers.

During his address to the graduate students of the university, the Hall of Famer encouraged them to make their own choices. For Jeter, the choice was clear – baseball. He spoke about how finding one’s passion and something that the person loves the most can help them move in the right direction, even during the tough phases.

“There may be unwanted side effects with those dreams, too. Side effects like doubt, criticism, and endless hours at work. But that’s the price you pay,” he said. And with that, Jeter stressed the importance of putting them on paper, which would help transform the ideas into actions. Getting surrounded by the right people also matters a lot, as it increases the chances of greater success, just like his wife and parents, who rooted for him since his early struggling days, instilling faith in him all throughout his journey.

A sneak peek into Derek Jeter’s relationship with his wife

The New York Yankees’ former number 2 star and captain met his wife, Hannah Davis, a long time back in 2012.

Although Davis was a professional model at that time, the difference in their career never really mattered, with the two getting along. She wasn’t much interested in America’s favorite pastime until she met Derek Jeter through some mutual friends. And soon, they were spotted together spending time.

While everyone was waiting for official confirmation, the news came as a surprise when the two, after dating for around two years, got engaged in September 2014. And there’s been no turning back since then. The couple finally got married in a private ceremony in July 2016.

More surprises came as Derek Jeter and Hannah Davis announced that they were expecting their first child in 2017. There was no limit to joy with the addition of a new member, and their beautiful relationship bloomed. Well, now, they are the proud parents of four children. 

A successful career and a happy family – feels like a complete circle, doesn’t it?