Chicago Bulls Honor Derrick Rose by Retiring His No. 1 Jersey After Victory
In a heartfelt ceremony, the Chicago Bulls honored Derrick Rose by retiring his No. 1 jersey following a thrilling 106-103 victory against the Boston Celtics on January 25, 2026. The event was a significant milestone for the franchise, marking Rose as the fifth player in Bulls history to receive this honor.
Emotional Ceremony
During the event, Rose became visibly emotional, wiping tears from his eyes as he addressed a sold-out crowd in Chicago. Former teammates Taj Gibson and Luol Deng opened the ceremony, setting a warm tone for the night. Rose delivered an emotional speech, thanking his family, former teammates in attendance, and the fans who supported him throughout his career.
- Rose is now alongside Bulls legends:
- Jerry Sloan (No. 4)
- Bob Love (No. 10)
- Michael Jordan (No. 23)
- Scottie Pippen (No. 33)
- The Bulls previously honored coach Phil Jackson and GM Jerry Krause with banners.
Fans and Atmosphere
Despite frigid temperatures, fans arrived early at the United Center, eager to witness the ceremony. Each seat showcased a black T-shirt bearing Rose’s name and number, while the players donned similar shirts during warm-ups. Rose took to the court with his son, sharing moments with family and former teammates.
“Just feeling grateful,” Rose said about the turnout, highlighting the dedication of Chicago fans.
A Night of Celebration
The night was infused with nostalgia as an orchestra played the Bulls’ introduction song, “SIRIUS” by the Alan Parsons Project. Fans chanted “M-V-P, M-V-P” in recognition of Rose’s past achievements. Current Bulls players such as Coby White and Zach Collins joined the celebration, reinforcing the sense of community around the event.
Ray of Hope and Legacy
Rose, who began his career with the Bulls after being drafted No. 1 in 2008, is commendably remembered for his contributions to the franchise. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009 and became the youngest MVP in history in 2011.
In a pre-game statement, he expressed that this moment was not solely about him but about everyone connected to his journey. “It was about everybody that found ways to come to my games,” Rose reflected, acknowledging the collective support from fans.
Planning the Tribute
The Bulls organization planned the ceremony meticulously to ensure it was special. President Michael Reinsdorf noted the importance of properly preparing for the event. “We wanted to honor him, but we wanted to take the time to actually really plan something really, really special,” Reinsdorf stated.
Impact on Chicago
The significance of Rose’s impact on the city was evident throughout the evening. The Bulls displayed a video featuring heartfelt messages from his former teammates and basketball icons like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. About 20 of Rose’s ex-teammates attended the event, emphasizing the strong bonds formed during his career.
In conclusion, Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement served as a lasting tribute to not only his individual accomplishments but also his deep-rooted connection with Chicago. As the banner ascended into the rafters, it represented the love and admiration from fans and teammates alike, encapsulating an era of hope for the city.
