The Houston Rockets are in their 54th season in Houston. Jonathan Feigen has been covering them for the Houston Chronicle for exactly half that time, 27 years.
But his run finally came to an end Friday. Feigen, who began his run as a Rockets beat writer during the Hakeem Olajuwon-Charles Barkley era, announced his retirement via X.
“Well, I guess this is happening. Today is my last day at @HoustonChron,” Feigen wrote. “I’m hanging them up. Way too many people to thank to fit here or in today’s column. So grateful for all these years covering the Rockets, for my mentors, peers and especially readers.”
Well, I guess this is happening. Today is my last day at @HoustonChron. I’m hanging them up. Way too many people to thank to fit here or in today’s column. So grateful for all these years covering the Rockets, for my mentors, peers and especially readers. https://t.co/oTOKmBpQEf
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 27, 2024
Feigen has seen quite a bit of history during his tenure, from the James Harden “Fear the Beard” era to colorful head coaches (Rudy Tomjanovich, Jeff Van Gundy, Kevin McHale). But the last few seasons have been tough ones, with three straight years of 22 or fewer wins before last season’s 41-41 finish.
In a commentary he wrote for the Chronicle, Feigen admitted he was reluctant to announce his retirement, because he didn’t want to draw attention to himself.
“I have resisted writing this because for more than four decades I followed the journalism rule that we are not the story,” Feigen wrote. “I’ve had a hard time even telling friends around the country, though their kindness when word got out has made it much easier for me to take this step.”
But now the word is out, and sports media and the NBA world are paying tribute to Feigen. The Rockets posted on X, “Much has changed for the Rockets since the late ’90s, but one constant has been @Jonathan_Feigen. For 27 seasons, Jonathan chronicled the team’s journey with unmatched dedication, covering over 2,000 games & countless iconic moments. Thank you, Jonathan, & happy retirement!”
Much has changed for the Rockets since the late ’90s, but one constant has been @Jonathan_Feigen.
For 27 seasons, Jonathan chronicled the team’s journey with unmatched dedication, covering over 2,000 games & countless iconic moments.
Thank you, Jonathan, & happy retirement! pic.twitter.com/cWs1rikZLL
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 27, 2024
Sports media pros left some nice tributes for Feigen on social media
Wow!!! What a run you had!
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) December 27, 2024
You’ve been a stalwart on your beat, and a good man to boot. Congrats on your retirement, and I hope you and Kathy have endless adventures on the road in the years to come!
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) December 27, 2024
Congrats, Jonathan! Glad to have worked with you and impressed you put in so many good years on the beat. Enjoy your retirement!
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) December 27, 2024
Never had the pleasure of meeting you, but always appreciated you willing to come on with us and all your great coverage Jonathan! Thanks giving so much to the game and congrats on everything!
— David Shepard (@SheponAir) December 27, 2024
