The people of Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Memphis didn’t see a typical front-page ad in the morning. Instead, there was a farewell message from one of the most dazzling players in the NBA’s history. Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in league history has decided it’s time to step away from his “love” and move on to spend time with his loving family.

The decision melted NBA hearts. LeBron James congratulated the former Bulls cornerstone for his wondrous 16-year career. But the most dear acknowledgment came from his mother, Brenda. Back when he won his most coveted silverware in 2011, Rose passionately thanked his mother. “My heart” he called her. The aggression and dauntless spirit of Rose on the court is much due to the habits she cultivated within him. Now on the eve of his retirement, she addressed his tremendous growth and honored his legacy.

“To my baby Pooh, you have always had a basketball in your hand ever since the age of 2. As a young man from Englewood, you fulfilled your dream of entering in the NBA You are now leaving as a mature man with a beautiful family. You have always loved the game of basketball and god has a new plan for you. Love you, mama,” Brenda Rose said in her heart-touching message.

Growing up in hardships, Brenda Rose raised four of her children by any means possible. At one point, Derrick Rose remembered her having just $20-50 to spend for two weeks. Those moments fueled 1 to become great. And Brenda had always stressed the importance of offering “love”. The former Bulls prodigy poured it all into the game of basketball, learning from his brothers and rising into a titan.

In the end, no matter how injuries robbed Derrick Rose of a much more adorned NBA career, he helped his family rise from a shell of poverty. Even though retiring, the Windy City Assassin will still have basketball in his heart. It’s a never-ending love story that the legend will continue to embrace in the next chapter of his life.

NBA players react to Derrick Rose’s retirement

To the NBA, Derrick Rose is a transcending force that paved the way for many players to chase greatness. Among them is Ja Morant, the Memphis guard who drew inspiration to play the sport through Rose’s electric dunks. In their time together in Memphis, Rose became a “big brother” to the Murray State guard. Upon hearing the news of his retirement, he posted a picture of them together during a Grizzlies photoshoot.

Another man who sought mentorship from the legendary point guard was Karl-Anthony Towns. In his days in Minnesota, he and Kevin Garnett taught a young Town how to become the voice of the locker room. As a Wolves member, Rose also infamously notched up 50 points in an emotional night the bruising center witnessed firsthand. “It was an honor to play alongside you,” he said in his appreciation story for the veteran guard. 

Dejounte Murray and Wizards’ Jordon Poole also showed their admiration for the acclaimed PG.

Derrick Rose managed to do a lot more than just revive the Bulls after Michael Jordan. He was an object of inspiration for the younger generation. His thunderous dunks, unexplainable layups, and sheer fearlessness jogged belief into players who didn’t necessarily have natural advantages to succeed in basketball.

Ultimately, a legacy that is characterized by respect and peer recognition is far greater than any number of accolades one can collect. Derrick Rose will always be a legend of the game and a driving force that inspires generations of basketball crops.