Derrick Rose is giving his hometown some love before he retires
The the stars align in Chicago as the Bulls prepare to honor Derrick Rose neatly with the pull of his jersey. That will come true at the end of the Bulls’ game against the Boston Celtics on Saturday.
Go ahead, Rose he made sure to give props to the very city that raised him, according to the Chicago Sports Network. In an exclusive interview with KC Johnson, Rose said the city is part of who he is.
“I am.” he said. “I am the city. You have to show so much courage just by being here.”
“I am. I am the city. You have to show so much courage just by being here.”@KCJHoop sat down with Derrick Rose before his No. 1 was hoisted into the rafters of the United Center.
Watch more interviews tonight on Bulls Countdown Live starting at 6:30 p.m. pic.twitter.com/889icRvUTv
— Chicago Sports Network (@CHSN__) January 24, 2026
Rose was born on October 4, 1988 in Englewood, a neighborhood in Chicago. From there, he grew up during the height of the Bulls’ great dynasty of the 1990s, which included Michael Jordan. Eventually, Rose attended the prestigious Simeon Academy on the South Side.
He became a sensation and wore number 25 in honor of the late Ben Wilson, an honor given to Simeon’s best player. He then attended the University of Memphis.
In 2008, Rose was drafted by the Bulls and was named NBA Rookie of the Year the following year. Three years later he was on top of the world.
He was named NBA MVP and led the Bulls to a 62-20 record. However, they lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Still, Rose helped make the Bulls a hot commodity again.
Later injuries diminished his ability, leaving many with a sense of what could have been.
To this day he is remains a beloved figure in Chicago. Overall, Rose will have his jersey retired along with Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Jerry Sloan and Bob Love.
2026-01-24 17:05:00
