Derrick Rose announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday, bringing an end to one of the more unique careers in recent memory.
And in fitting fashion, the 2011 NBA MVP announced his retirement via a method that already feels like it’s from a bygone era, taking out full-page newspaper ads in every city he’s called home throughout his career. Even Cleveland.
Over the course of his 16-year NBA career, Rose spent time with the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies. That meant ads in the Chicago Tribune, New York Times, The Plain Dealer, Minnesota Star Tribune, Detroit Free Press and Commercial Appeal, according to ESPN’s Malika Andrews.
Rose’s message in the ad reads:
“Thank You, My First Love…
You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain.
You showed me what love truly meant. 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.
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.
You introduced me to new places and cultures that a kid from Chicago could have never imagined.
You taught me that every loss was a lesson and every win was a reason to be grateful.
You offered wisdom that was not just about the game, but about life, discipline, hard work, perseverance.
You showed me that passion is something to cherish, ensuring that I pour my heart into every dribble, every shot, every play.
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.
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.
Forever yours, Derrick Rose.”
View this post on Instagram
It would have been easy for Rose to only put the ad in Chicago (where he was drafted and spent the best years of his career) and Memphis (where he spent his college career and the final season of his NBA career), so his decision to also include New York, Cleveland, Minnesota and Detroit in the celebration is a classy one. Including Cleveland is especially notable, as the three-time All-Star appeared in all of 16 largely forgettable games for the Cavs during the 2017-18 NBA season.
Nevertheless, Rose opted to celebrate the entire scope of his career — 16 games with the Cavs and all. And for that, Cleveland — and especially The Plain Dealer‘s ad sales department — is surely grateful.
[ESPN]
