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Derrick Rose’s Retirement Letter is a Heartfelt Goodbye to Basketball

Ladies and gentlemen, our GOAT has left the stadium—for good.

Matt Gulielmi
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Matt is The Adult Man's brand & content manager. His fashion career has waltzed through styling for Michigan State's VIM Magazine, translating brand copy into Spanish for cosmetic startups, to managing inventory for some of the biggest retailers in the US. Should you ever be exploring a new city with him, prepare to stop into every shop he deems cool with a couple of negroni breaks scattered throughout. Read full bio.


Last Updated: Oct 7, 2024
2 min read

Derrick Rose, one of the most electrifying players in NBA history, has officially announced his retirement after a 16-year career that will go down as one of the biggest “what ifs” in basketball.

Rose’s journey began in 2008 when he was selected first overall in the NBA Draft by his hometown Chicago Bulls, where he then went on to win Rookie of the Year in his debut season. However, it was his 2010-11 season that solidified his place in NBA history when he became the youngest player ever to win the MVP award at just 22 years old.

In 2012, he suffered a devastating ACL tear during the playoffs, an injury that sidelined him for nearly two full seasons—a modern day Titatic disaster for even the most casual of sports fans.

In a heartfelt letter addressed to the sport as a whole, Rose expressed his deep gratitude and love for the game that shaped his life.

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The letter, which was published on social media and in full-page ads across several newspapers, all of which headquartered in the cities whose teams he played for: The New York TImes, Chicago Tribune, Commercial Appeal [Memphis], Detroit Free Press, Cleveland Plain Dealer and Minneapolis Star Tribune.

His farewell read:

“Thank You, My First Love…

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.

You made every early morning and late night we spent together worth every drop of sweat.

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.

You showed me that passion is something to cherish, ensuring that I pour my heart into every dribble, every shot, every play.

You stood by me even when the world seemed against me, unconditionally, waiting for me to pick you up.

You gave me a gift, our time together, one that I will cherish for the rest of my days.

You told me it’s okay to say goodbye, reassuring me that you’ll always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me.

Forever yours,

Derrick Rose”

In the wake of the announcement, NBA fans on every corner of the internet are locked in a heated debate on the star’s Hall of Fame prospects.

Whether or not he enters the Hall of Fame, Rose’s heartfelt farewell indeed goes to show one man’s love for the game, even if it wasn’t the happy ever after it was thought to be.

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