Derrick Rose’s Final Message To Chicago Before Jersey Retirement Ceremony

The fifth number retired for the Chicago Bulls will be lifted into the rafters of the United Center tomorrow night. Derrick Rose, and his signature jersey number one, will forever be cemented in the history of one of the most illustrious franchises in basketball. As a kid from Chicago, Rose constantly speaks highly of the city and how much of a dream come true the entire process has been. From being the first overall selection in the draft to being named the youngest MVP in the league’s history to suffering several devastating injuries, the legendary point guard represents the organization like no other. He’s often referred to as one of the most electric and humble superstars of all time, and had the Bulls as close to contention as they’ve ever been without Michael Jordan. In an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews earlier today, Rose had one final message for the city where he was born, raised, drafted, and lived out his childhood dreams.

“This is For Us”

One thing that remained constant throughout Derrick Rose’s playing days and post-NBA career was his praise for those around him. From shouting out his family members, to his teammates, coaches, and fans, the former MVP has never lost sight of where he came from, and the city he represents. Tomorrow night, he’ll take his well-earned place in Chicago history, where no other player will wear the jersey number one again. In his interview with ESPN, he again credited and reminded the masses of who this honor truly belongs to.

Derrick Rose joins @malika_andrews to talk about getting his jersey retired on Saturday in his hometown pic.twitter.com/fsGy4eIYWd

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 23, 2026

Fans in the United Center for tomorrow’s matchup between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics are in for a historic night. After the game, the organization is raising Rose’s banner into immortality, with plenty of former teammates and coaches alongside. After much anticipation for this night since it was announced last year that his number would be retired by the franchise, the night has finally arrived.

Youngest MVP In League History

After missing the postseason in seven of the previous ten seasons, the Chicago Bulls were granted the first overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft following an abysmal 33-49 campaign. When Derrick Rose’s name was announced, the entire city erupted. He would lead Chicago to seven consecutive playoff appearances, including their lone Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 1998, which stands true today. That year, Rose would be named the youngest MVP in league history, and many thought he was the next face of the entire Association. Following that year, his career took a massive turn for the worse. After playing 78 or more games in each of his first three seasons, he’d only play over 51 games once more for Chicago, in 2015. His gradual decline due to compounding injuries was one of the most painful movies to watch unfold for the Windy City faithful.

"The youngest MVP in NBA history."

Before his #1 jersey heads to the Chicago rafters Saturday night, take a look back at Derrick Rose's SPECIAL 2010-11 season! pic.twitter.com/o17FyUOzRD

— NBA (@NBA) January 23, 2026

Despite an abrupt end to his electric career with the Bulls, the unmatched energy, excitement, and embodiment of the city that Rose demonstrated on and off the court earned him a place amongst franchise legends.

Tune in tomorrow night for all of the feels and to watch one of the most incredible chapters in Chicago Bulls history be enshrined forever.