Jeter Offers “unfiltered Voices” Of Pro Athletes

Last month New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter brought an emphatic 20-year career to a close in a way that could (and probably eventually will) have been written in Hollywood.

With the score locked at 5-5, Jeter capped his farewell game at Yankee Stadium with a game-winning in-field single in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles.

However, after savouring the final moment of celebration – that included a 50,000 strong chant that echoed long into the night, Jeter walked off the field at the end of his 1,391st game to begin a new chapter.

This chapter is entitled “The Players’ Tribune”, the former shortstop’s ambitious new publishing venture already being touted across the pond as a potential game changer.

The website, for which Jeter is founding publisher, describes itself as ‘a new media platform that will present the unfiltered voices of professional athletes.’

According to the site, the Players’ Tribune ‘aims to provide unique insight into the daily sports conversation and to publish first-person stories directly from athletes. From video to podcasts to player polls and written pieces, The Tribune will strive to be The Voice of the Game.’

Aside from Jeter himself, the site’s first contribution came from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, listed as senior editor, who submitted a column on domestic violence – a key issue in American sport over the last few weeks.

Famed for his guarded approach to media interviews, Jeter revealed some of his big plans for the website in its opening letter:

‘I am working with other athletes, with editors and with producers to create a platform that gives us a chance to say what’s on our minds. My goal is for the site to ultimately transform how athletes and newsmakers share information, bringing fans closer than ever to the games they love.’

The 40 year-old future Hall of Famer has attracted a host of brands over the course of his career with deals including Nike, Gatorade, Steiner Sports, Rawlings, Movado, 24-Hour Fitness, Avon and health food company Luvo, which has helped Jeter accumulate a net worth in excess of $185 million, according to TheRichest.com, as well as fan base that will continue to follow his every move.

According to reports from Forbes, Jeter is the main investor for the website and will maintain a hands-on role.

Specific details such as future contributors, the scale of Jeter’s investment, and its business model, have not been revealed but it is certainly a project to keep an eye on over the coming weeks…