The Chicago Bulls have officially announced the retirement of Derrick Rose's No. 1 jersey, making him the fifth player in the franchise's history to receive this honored recognition. Following the announcement made by the team on May 1, 2025, the ceremony is scheduled to take place during the 2025-2026 NBA season, though specific details on the timing will be revealed at a later date.
Rose, who hails from Chicago, played for the Bulls from 2008 to 2016. His tenure was marked by incredible achievements, including being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft and becoming the youngest player to be named Most Valuable Player (MVP) at just 22 years old. The honor of his jersey retirement places him alongside Chicago legends such as Michael Jordan (No. 23), Scottie Pippen (No. 33), Jerry Sloan (No. 4), and Bob Love (No. 10).
Reflecting on this monumental occasion, Rose expressed deep emotions, emphasizing, "Tonight is not about [me]. It's about me giving to everybody who was part of the story, the good, the bad, the ugly; it's celebrating everyone." This statement highlights the significance of his connection with the community and his humble perspective on personal accolades.
Michael Reinsdorf, the Bulls' team president and CEO, assured Rose of the permanence of this tribute, stating, "Nobody’s wearing [that No. 1 jersey] again." He added humorously, indicating the possibility of one day passing the jersey number to Rose's son, PJ. Such sentiments reaffirm the special bond between Rose, the franchise, and the city.
Celebrations honoring Rose are already underway, with special tributes included during the Bulls’ recent game against the New York Knicks. Fans have been treated to the launch of the "Derrick Rose Experience" at the United Center, showcasing memorabilia from his career. Players from both teams donned custom shooting shirts featuring the date "1.4.25," commemorative of Rose's legacy.
The emotional atmosphere continued with black T-shirts decorated with red roses placed on each seat as symbols of Rose's impact. During halftime, chants of "MVP! MVP!" resounded throughout the arena, highlighting the appreciation from fans for his contributions. A highlight reel chronicling Rose's successful career was played, bringing him to tears as he sat with his mother, Brenda, who beamed with pride.
Former teammate Joakim Noah delivered a heartfelt tribute, referring to Rose as "the people’s champ" and praising his dedication to representing Chicago both on and off the court. Further emotional depth was added with a video narrated by Rose’s son, PJ, capturing the family’s support and love for his father.
Throughout the article, the talk turns to Rose's illustrious career: drafted as the first overall pick, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year and secured All-Star selections three times (2010, 2011, and 2012). His most notable accolades came during the 2010-2011 season when he led the Bulls to a stellar record of 62 wins and 20 losses. Rose’s play earned him not just the MVP award, but respect and admiration from fans and players alike.
Nevertheless, Rose's career was not without challenges. A devastating knee injury during the 2012 playoffs nearly sidelined him for two seasons, raising questions about his future. Still, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, averaging 17.4 points and 5.2 assists over 723 regular-season games post-injury compared to his pre-injury average of 21 points. Remarkably, he refuses to dwell on the career he might have had without those challenges.
Looking forward, Rose’s influence on the Bulls and his lasting legacy within the NBA reflect not just singular achievements, but the spirit of Chicago itself. "You could forget about the love sometimes and just give toughness. Coming back, I just wanted to show the love part," Rose stated during the ceremony, capturing both the essence of his character and his connection to the city.
Fans wait eagerly for the jersey retirement ceremony, recognizing not just Chapter One of Rose's story, but as the continuation of his enduring legacy as both player and community pillar. With his jersey hanging high alongside those of the Bulls’ greats, Derrick Rose's impact on the game and the city of Chicago will forever be etched in history.