Rollins: 'Blue-Collar Philadelphia Not Conducive For A Superstar'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Despite being the leader of the Phillies 2008 World Championship team and winning a National League MVP, Jimmy Rollins was one of the most polarizing figures in Philadelphia sports history.

Rollins, who was often criticized by fans and media for his lack of hustle, spoke candidly about playing in Philadelphia during a Q&A with FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

"Free," Rollins told Rosenthal, when asked how LA feels. "I feel like I'm free to be myself without someone on my shoulder. Obviously, everyone has parameters and limits. You have to play within the boundaries.

"The general area, the city [of Philadelphia] being blue-collar, it's not conducive for a superstar. You can be good, but you've got to be blue-collar along the way, keep your mouth shut, just go and work. Where obviously, this is LA. It's almost like it's OK to be more flamboyant. You kind of appreciate that the more you're out there. Because LA loves a star."

However, the Phillies' franchise leader in hits did admit he loved playing in Philly, a city the helped shape who he is.

"I loved playing there," Rollins said of Philadelphia. "There is no doubt about that. It made me who I am. Playing there — I don't know — but it prepared me for this. This is so loose in comparison to Philly. I know how to go about my business. I know the boundaries. I won't cross 'em."