Derrick Rose's wife Alaina shares touching memory from former basketball player's time in Chicago
Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose announced his retirement on Thursday, and his wife Alaina paid tribute to him on Instagram by sharing a sweet photo from his time in Chicago.
Rose, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft, rose to stardom with the Bulls and spent seven seasons there before moving onto the Knicks.
And Alaina remembered the beginning of his career - and their relationship - as she re-posted a picture of them as a young couple in Chicago from 2015.
The picture, originally shared by the Roses' friend Austine Maxfield. was captioned 'It all started in Chicago,' with Alaina sharing that the picture was taken on her 21st birthday.
The couple would go on to welcome daughter Layla in 2018 and son London in 2019 before getting married in September of last year.
Derrick Rose and his wife, Alaina, are seen on her 21st birthday way back in 2015
Rose and Alaina welcomed their children in 2018 and 2019 before getting married in 2023
Alaina, who re-shared plenty of other tributes to her husband on her Instagram story, also penned a touching message about his career.
The 1, NEVER the 2! Everything you do, you do with your family in mind, and we love and appreciate you more than words can say,' she began on Instagram. 'We are beyond proud of you! You did what so many wouldn’t—you kept going, no matter what. You’ve inspired us all, and we’re incredibly lucky to have witnessed every part of your journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
She continued, 'You mean the world to this league, and you’ve made history that no one can ever erase. You’ve paved the way, and no one can deny that. You’re truly HIM—the most humble, kind, loving, and respected, both on and off the court. For everything, there is a SEASON, and now it’s time for the next chapter. I can’t wait for the world to see the greatness that’s still ahead of you. Letting go is never easy, but your best days are still to come, and I can’t wait to be there with you every step of the way.
'Thank you for all the memories, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Minnesota, Detroit and Memphis—we will miss you.'
Rose posed with a newspaper and sat by a chess table for his retirement announcement
In a lengthy statement, Rose paid tribute to his 'first love' after a 17-year basketball career
The tribute from Alaina followed the retirement announcement from Rose himself, in which he called basketball his 'first love.'
'You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain,' he said.
'You showed me what love truly meant. You turned the court into my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely.'
At the end of the statement, he signs off: 'Forever Yours, Derrick Rose'.
In the picture alongside the post, Rose can be seen holding a copy of today's newspaper - which carries his announcement - and he sits in front of a chess board.
Rose became the NBA's youngest MVP at the age of 22 after an incredible season in 2010-11
He added to ESPN, 'Basketball was just the beginning for me. Now, it's important that I give my all to my family - they deserve that.'
Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history when he won the award at just 22 for his play in the 2010-11 season, and seemed destined for a career at the top after leading the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals that postseason.
However, he suffered a torn ACL in 2012 - and a torn meniscus the following year - and he would never get back to his best on a consistent basis as he battled injuries throughout the rest of his career.
Nonetheless, he had some memorable moments during his stops with the Timberwolves and Knicks (including a career-high 50 points for Minnesota in 2018), and will be remembered for his explosive athleticism earlier in his career.
