Chicago Bulls to Retire Derrick Rose’s Jersey
In a heartfelt tribute to one of its most iconic players, the Chicago Bulls have officially announced that Derrick Rose's No. 1 jersey will be retired during the 2025-26 NBA season. This decision marks the end of an era for a player who not only changed the game but did so while wearing the colors of his hometown team.
Derrick Rose, a Chicago native, joined the Bulls in 2008 as the first overall pick in the NBA draft. His electrifying speed, agility, and scoring prowess quickly endeared him to fans, culminating in him becoming the youngest player to ever win the NBA MVP award in 2011 at the age of 22. Despite a career plagued by injuries, Rose's legacy with the Bulls is undeniable, with his No. 1 jersey unofficially retired since his departure to the New York Knicks in 2016.
Derrick Rose, 2011 NBA MVP
Derrick Rose is the youngest MVP in NBA history (Age 22)
The announcement came just before "Derrick Rose Night," where the Bulls hosted the Knicks, and both teams wore shooting shirts in honor of Rose. The ceremony was a precursor to what will be an emotional moment when his jersey joins those of other Bulls legends like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Bob Love, and Jerry Sloan in the rafters of the United Center.
The Bulls' official statement read, "No other player will ever wear the number 1 for the Chicago Bulls. Number 1 will always be from Chicago," capturing the sentiment of loyalty and pride that Rose instilled in the city and its fans.
OFFICIAL: The Bulls will retire Derrick Rose's number during the 2025-26 NBA season. No other player will ever wear the number 1 for the Chicago Bulls.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 4, 2025
Number 1 will always be from Chicago. pic.twitter.com/s7z3J030WA
This decision not only celebrates Rose's remarkable achievements on the court but also acknowledges his impact off it, serving as a beacon of inspiration for young athletes in Chicago and beyond. The actual date for the jersey retirement ceremony within the 2025-26 season is yet to be announced, but it promises to be one of the most significant events in Bulls history, celebrating a player whose legacy transcends statistics.
As we look forward to this historic event, it's clear that Derrick Rose's journey from the playgrounds of Chicago to the pinnacle of basketball fame will forever be etched in the city's sports culture.