Derrick Rose Cries When Learning Chicago Bulls Will Retire His Jersey Number Unless His Son Plays

Derrick Rose’s Chicago Bulls jersey number will be hanging in the rafters very soon.

A viral clip shows the retired NBA player having an emotional reaction to discovering the news, delivered by Chicago Bulls CEO Michael Reinsdorf.

“I’m just telling you: nobody’s wearing that No. 1 jersey again unless PJ is a Bull. Then he’s wearing that No. 1 jersey. All right? Is that fair?” Reinsdorf told Rose as he became visibly emotional.

COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.

“Derrick, we love you, we appreciate everything you’ve done for Chicago. You’re a special person,” Reinsdorf continued.

Rose celebrated the moment. “Let’s go,” he said. “You’re adding one more up there. Thank you all.”

On Thursday, the Bulls revealed that the team will host a Derrick Rose Jersey Retirement Night on Jan. 24, 2026 to “officially add No. 1 to the United Center rafters.” The postgame ceremony will follow that night’s game against the Boston Celtics.

This will be the fifth jersey that the franchise has retired, with Rose joining Jerry Sloan (4), Bob Love (10), Michael Jordan (23) and Scottie Pippen (33).

Rose’s 12-year-old son, PJ, already seems to be a beast on the court.

Rose was the No. 1 overall pick by his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls, in 2008, the same year he won Rookie of the Year. In 2011, he was named the youngest Most Valuable Player in NBA history after leading the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since Michael Jordan’s retirement in 1998.

After 15 years in the league, Rose retired before the start of the 2024–2025 season, finishing his career with 723 games played and three All-Star appearances. Over the course of his career, he also suited up for the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies.

Following his retirement, the city of Chicago proclaimed January 4 as Derrick Rose Day in honor of the 36-year-old.