“Thank You, My First Love…,” began Derrick Rose’s retirement letter on September 26, drawing the curtain on an illustrious 16-year career. But for Rose, his retirement is not only about him, it’s a culmination, he believes, of what his city, his people, and the NBA have given him. And to commemorate exactly that, the veteran seems to be going all out, even giving his fans a rare chance to celebrate.

Just a few days before September’s end, the post, “The Renascence 9.26.24,” caught people by surprise. That would be the first of many posts from Derrick Rose, confirming his retirement. Fast forward to December, the 36-year-old is booked and busy, highlighting all the love he has received through the years. Before the special night planned by the Chicago Bulls, the 3x NBA All-Star himself has something planned for the fans.

Rose took to Instagram to share a special video message for his next venture– something that aligns well with his last name. “Welcome to Rose’s, the number-one flower shop in Chicago. How can I help you?…A dozen roses? Coming right up,” he says in the reel. “We’re open for business. We can do that. We got you. It’s on the house. We appreciate your business.” The flower shop will reportedly be a tribute for Chicagoans, and was captioned, “Rose’s Flower Shop. Open for business January 2nd, for one day only. Chicago stay tuned for details! Prudence lifestyle.”

In the creative teaser, the NBA veteran was seen in a florist uniform in a room full of…yes, you guessed it right…roses! He was seen picking up the phone to note down orders from “customers”. A fan said it right: “Creative marketing and spreading love to say thank you at its best.”

The Rose’s Flower Shop opens for business on January 2 in Chicago for just a day. More details are yet to be put out, but the Bulls star has sure built the excitement. His wife was the first to emit that. Apart from commenting, “SO FIRE!!!!! 🌹🌹🌹😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨” Alaina Anderson also shared the post on her story. “Cause why wouldn’t we have a flower shop! 1.2.25 Chicago 🌹.”

Having said that, saying that Derrick Rose’s retirement was shocking would be an understatement. Having signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2023 as a free agent, the 2010-11 NBA MVP award winner reportedly surrendered his $3.3 million salary for next season. The reason? His family. “Knowing that I gave my all to the game, I feel confident in my decision. Basketball was just the beginning for me. Now, it’s important that I give my all to my family — they deserve that,” he told ESPN. But that’s not all.

His gratitude, though, is not just limited to words. In a gesture, reminisce of what Rose’s legacy has always been about, the 36-year-old sent out a bouquet of 16 flowers to every supporter who helped him through his career. “He told me that today he knows he’s going to be getting his flowers, so he wanted to make sure that, pun intended, he was giving out the roses to those who really helped mold him and shape his career. He’s actually mailing out 16 roses to folks like Phil Jackson, his four best friends, his trainers that helped him through the ups and downs,” ESPN’s Malika Andrews revealed.

Notably, Jackson and Rose have always shared a complicated relationship where the latter once described their bond as “weird” and expressed frustration at the former New York Knicks team president’s “meddling in their offensive system”. But all seems forgiven and forgotten…Rose even paid tribute to all the cities he played for—Chicago, New York, Minnesota, Detroit, Memphis, and Cleveland—by commissioning full-page ads (announcing his retirement) in local newspapers in those places. The love is definitely not one-sided though…

On January 4, the Chicago Bulls will also celebrate Derrick Rose Night at the United Center, as the team hosts the New York Knicks. “Derrick Rose Night will serve as a celebration of Derrick’s retirement from the NBA…and his contributions to the Bulls and the city of Chicago. Throughout the game, there will be special moments recognizing Derrick, his family, and his Bulls teammates…Players on both teams will wear themed shooting shirts to honor Derrick’s time with both franchises. The shirts will display “1.4.25” across the front, signifying the day of the game as well as the jersey numbers he wore as a Bull, a Knick and as a high school player at Simeon Career Academy,” a press release from the NBA said on December 29.

Fans will also get an opportunity to take home unique gifts—a memorable themed-item from Adidas, a commemorative Derrick Rose-themed T-shirt, and one of 5,000 commemorative roses from a flower cart in the atrium. Limited edition souvenir cups, cookies, T-shirts and hoodies will be available, too. “As part of the experience, fans can also leave a personalized message for Derrick in a digital guestbook and take photos with a dynamic Derrick Rose hologram,” the release noted.

As for Rose’s flower shop, note that it is not a long-term business. The YouTube channel of the youngest MVP in the league also highlights that the shop is open for “one day only.” Notably, he would become the first former player in the league to try his hands in this unique “floral business” worth $50 billion.

Bulls remember Rose’s resilience

“He’s one of the toughest and most determined athletes I’ve ever been around, constantly fighting through adversity that would have broken most. Watching him grow from a Chicago Public League star to becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history as a Bull has been nothing short of an honor,” Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said.

“The kid from Englewood turned into a Chicago legend,” the team’s social media page wrote on December 25. And then there was Hall of Famer and Rose’s former teammate Dwyane Wade, who paid a heartfelt tribute to Rose, writing on X, “One of the most electrifying players the game has ever seen. Appreciate everything you brought to the game, DRose 🫡👑” 

“I know the person that he is, the character that he has…And it shines through,” the player’s former coach Tom Thibodeau had said back in 2018.

“Derrick Rose and I talked a few days ago about his decision to retire from the NBA and start the next phase of his life with his family…”His decision was well thought out, and his concern for his family was evident. His appreciation of his long career and what it meant to him was heart felt. It also gave me a chance to thank him and let him know my appreciation for what he did for me and my family,” former Memphis and current Arkansas head coach John Calipari said in a statement, before adding:

“He was always an unbelievable teammate, maybe the best I’ve ever coached. He was a coaches dream, authentic and always trying to make it about other people, and that goes back to his high school days. He was shy and an introvert but one of the most competitive players with an unending will to win. He had one gear and anyone who played against him would know what I’m saying. The people that he touched along the way all have feelings for him because of his loyalty and quiet resolve. He and his family know my love and appreciation for them. I’m just happy I was able to be a small part and to enjoy the ride with him! And I’m here going forward!”

The NBA world will surely miss Derrick Rose, and so will we. Let us know in the comments below about your favorite Rose memory!