In a deeply emotional and unexpected moment, former Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose was given a heartfelt surprise by the franchise on January 23, 2026. The basketball icon was invited to the United Center, where he witnessed his jersey banner being raised for the very first time, a full day before his official jersey retirement ceremony scheduled for January 24.
A Chicago Native's Emotional Homecoming
Derrick Rose, who grew up in the city of Chicago, was visibly moved as he looked up to see his iconic No. 1 banner hanging proudly in the arena rafters. The significance of the moment was amplified by the presence of his family, who stood by his side during this historic occasion. Adding to the special atmosphere were former teammates Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, and Kirk Hinrich, whose attendance created a powerful reunion of Bulls legends.
Perfect Timing for a Legendary Honor
The surprise unveiling was strategically timed to precede Rose's formal jersey retirement celebration, making the experience even more memorable. His No. 1 jersey will now permanently reside in the United Center alongside other Bulls greats such as Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, cementing his legacy within the franchise's storied history.
Reviving Chicago's Basketball Memories
For countless Chicago Bulls fans, the banner's unveiling brought back a flood of memories and excitement from Rose's electrifying tenure with the team. While the point guard also played for other NBA franchises including the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies, his career remains profoundly meaningful to the city and its residents.
From his remarkable MVP season to his persistent battles with injuries, the banner symbolizes the immense dedication and effort Rose invested throughout his career, as well as the tremendous contributions he made to Chicago's basketball culture.
Enduring Legacy Beyond the Court
Derrick Rose's journey began when he was selected as the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Chicago Bulls in 2008. After sixteen remarkable seasons in the NBA, Rose announced his retirement on September 26, 2024, sharing a heartfelt social media message expressing gratitude to his fans and the sport he cherished.
Beyond basketball, Rose has maintained strong connections with Chicago through various community initiatives and even launched a family-owned flower shop in the city. The banner's unveiling transcended mere athletic achievement, demonstrating the enduring respect and affection Chicago continues to hold for its hometown hero.
