Back then, when I was a kid, I watched Vince Carter every now and then.
My biggest hero when I was a kid was Will Smith. I used to watch 'Fresh Prince,' and I was a huge fan of his albums. I bought all of his albums when I was a kid. Now, he is the biggest movie star in the world.
When I was a kid, we all knew who Niki Lauda was. He was a hero, a living legend in Germany. Everybody knows him.
I wouldn't mind being a hero to a kid. I grew up idolizing players, so I know how important that is for a lot of younger kids.
People should look up to me. Young kids. I am a good role model. I'll show them how men should really be. And kids can take note from that. I am a good role model. Lots of kids look up to me.
I think, for me, I've realized the responsibility of being a role model for young kids everywhere.
I just want to be that role model that the kids can look up to, and say, 'I want to be like him. I want to be just like Mookie Betts.'
I'd say people recognize me, but having children recognize me is the best. It is a very special thing. Suddenly you feel like you have the power to make the children's dreams come true, and it's better than anything else.
I love being around kids. When I see a kid that wants to talk to me or wants my autograph, I see myself in them. I just want to be a good example and be very approachable and want them to know that I'm just a regular guy, too.
It's certainly an honor to have kids who are looking up to me, but at the same time, I'm just trying to do what I can to raise the profile of chess.
I don't feel that I'm a role model. I'm just me. If people want to look up to me then that's their business. I'm not perfect and I don't consider myself to be a role model. But to be honest, I'd much rather my kids look up to me than look up to some rock star who gets off jail more times than is even funny.
