Derrick Rose, the 35-year-old former NBA star, and fan favorite has officially hung up his sneakers, announcing his retirement after a 16-year journey filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Reflecting on his decision, Rose told ESPN, “Knowing that I gave my all to the game, I feel confident in my decision. Basketball was just the beginning for me. Now, it’s important that I give my all to my family — they deserve that.”
It all went down on the gram in an emotional Instagram post, Rose expressed his gratitude to basketball, the sport that defined much of his life. “Thank You, My First Love…,” he began, addressing basketball directly. “You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain. You showed me what love truly meant. You turned the court into my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely.”
Rose continued, “You reminded me that I could always rely on you, that in every moment of doubt, you would show me what I’m capable of. You introduced me to new places and cultures that a kid from Chicago could have never imagined. You taught me that every loss was a lesson and every win was a reason to be grateful. You offered wisdom that was not just about the game, but about life, discipline, hard work, perseverance.”
In a wow moment, Rose’s heartfelt letter was also shared in local newspapers in each of the six cities he played in during his NBA career, including Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Minnesota, Detroit, and Memphis. His final stop was with the Memphis Grizzlies, who agreed to release him from the final year of his contract, allowing him to retire on his own terms.
If you’re not a NBA fan, or know just how impactful Derrick Rose was, he burst onto the NBA scene in 2009, capturing the Rookie of the Year award and earning a spot on the All-Rookie First Team. His meteoric rise continued in 2011, when he became the youngest player in history to win the MVP award. That same year, he led the Chicago Bulls to a league-best 62-20 record and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they eventually fell to the star-studded Miami Heat led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
The turning point happened when Rose suffered a devastating ACL tear during the playoffs. The injury sidelined him for the entire following season, and he never fully returned to the form that once made him an MVP. Despite this, Rose remained a valuable player and a respected veteran presence on several teams throughout the rest of his career.
Respectfully, Derrick Rose finishes his career with averages of 17.4 points and 5.2 assists per game, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and determination. Though his time on the court has come to an end, his impact on the game and the fans who followed him will endure.