The Chicago Bulls have announced they will retire Derrick Rose’s iconic No. 1 jersey during the 2025-26 season, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most beloved players.
The decision was announced by Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf, who told Rose personally on Saturday.
Rose’s jersey will join those of Michael Jordan (23), Scottie Pippen (33), Jerry Sloan (4), and Bob Love (10) in the United Center rafters, making him the fifth player in Bulls history to receive this honor.
The moment Pooh learned his number is officially going in the rafters 🥹 pic.twitter.com/D8JZjXhdtG
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 4, 2025
“Derrick is both a hometown hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball,” Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement.
The announcement coincided with a special tribute to Rose, who retired in September after an amazing 16-season career in the NBA. The Bulls celebrated the Chicago native with pregame and in-game honors during their matchup against the New York Knicks.
The festivities included the unveiling of the “Derrick Rose Experience” in the United Center atrium, featuring memorabilia that highlighted his legendary career. Players on both teams wore themed shooting shirts adorned with “1.4.25” — representing the date of the celebration and the jersey numbers he wore with the Bulls, Knicks, and at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago.
Fans and teammates joined in honoring Rose’s contributions to the game and his impact on the city of Chicago.
On Thursday, Rose hosted a heartfelt one-day flower shop pop-up event. Operating under the slogan “Stop and Smell the Roses,” the shop invited fans to select four flowers to send to loved ones, symbolizing connection and appreciation.
Rose, selected first overall by the Bulls in the 2008 NBA Draft, quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. In his first three seasons, he earned Rookie of the Year honors, became a three-time All-Star, and claimed the NBA MVP title in 2011, becoming the youngest player in league history to do so at just 22 years old.
The jersey retirement ceremony will take place during the 2025-26 season, with further details to be announced later.
As his No. 1 jersey is immortalized, Rose’s legacy as a hometown hero and an era-defining player for the Bulls will forever be celebrated in the Windy City.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
