Derek Jeter never thought about failing.
When the Yankees legend was preparing for a big moment, he’d think back to all the moments he had success — even if it was on the basketball court at Kalamazoo (Mich.) Central High School.
That was the message that the Baseball Hall of Famer and 14-time All-Star shortstop gave Bears players and coaches a team meeting last week — to forget about failure.
“He’s known as being one of the most clutch players of our generation,” offensive coordinator Press Taylor said before Sunday’s practice. “He talked about, ‘When I had an opportunity for it, I went back to the last time I had success. I didn’t think about the time I failed in this moment.’
“He talked about going back to, he was a sophomore in high school and scoring the game-winning basket. That’s what he’s thinking about when he’s in Game 7 of the World Series up to bat in a critical moment. He’s thinking of ‘the time I succeeded.’”
Linebacker Jon Rhattigan, who called the Yankees great an “icon,” said that he focused on “universal truths” that apply to both baseball and football: trusting your teammates, focusing and working hard.
“I think his approach to the game of baseball can help our approach individually to the game of football,” he said.
The Bears produced a clip of Jeter that listed his accomplishments and aired it before bringing him to the front of the Halas Hall meeting room. Jeter played from 1999-2014, retiring when the youngest Bears player was just 10.
“Great lessons,” said guard Joe Thuney, who is 33. “A guy who’s so successful, and such a great leader — it’s awesome when people can come in like that and give you their opinions and thoughts. I learned a lot from him.”