Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose announced his retirement in an emotional social media message Thursday morning.
“Thank you, My First Love…” Rose said on Instagram. “You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain. You showed me what love truly meant.”
He went on to say, “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.”
Rose was the No. 1 overall pick in 2008 and quickly became one of the NBA’s top players. He played for his hometown Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies over the course of his 16-year career.
He won the MVP award while with the Bulls in the 2011-2012 season, the youngest player to ever win the award. Less than a year later, he suffered a torn ACL and underwent surgery for his left knee. He never seemed to fully recover as he suffered more injuries over the next few years.
The famous athlete took out full-page ads in the local newspapers of the six NBA cities he played in, as his way of thanking each fan base for their support over the years, according to ESPN.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 15: Derrick Rose #23 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the Houston Rockets at FedExForum on December 15, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Rose reflected on his career by declaring his love for the sport.
“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,” he wrote in his retirement statement on Instagram.
“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.”
Rose finished his career averaging 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds.
He signed off by writing, “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.”
Rose explained the reason he decided to call it quits on his career at this point in time.
“Knowing that I gave my all to the game, I feel confident in my decision,” Rose told ESPN.
“Basketball was just the beginning for me. Now, it’s important that I give my all to my family -they deserve that.” (RELATED: Red Sox’s James Paxton Planning On Retirement After Suffering Season-Ending Calf Injury: REPORT)
Fans and fellow NBA players have taken to social media to wish Rose the best in his future endeavors, as the sport says goodbye to a beloved star.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
