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, emerged as a star with the Bulls, spending seven seasons there before leaving for the Knicks.

And Alaina recalled the beginning of his career — and their relationship — when she reposted a 2015 photo of them as a young couple in Chicago.

The photo, originally shared by Austine Maxfield, a friend of the Roses, was captioned, “It all started in Chicago.” Alaina said the photo was taken on her 21st birthday.

The couple had daughter Layla in 2018 and son London in 2019, before getting married in September last year.

Rose and Alaina welcomed their children in 2018 and 2019 before marrying in 2023

Alaina, who shared many more tributes to her husband on her Instagram Story, also wrote 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 do: you kept going no matter what. You inspired us all and we are incredibly lucky to have been able to experience every part of your journey: the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

She continued, “You mean the world to this league and you have made history that no one can ever erase. You have paved the way and no one can deny that. You are truly HIM: the most humble, kind, loving and respected, both on and off the field. To everything there is a SEASON and now it is time for the next chapter. I cannot wait for the world to see the greatness that lies ahead of you. Letting go is never easy, but your best days are yet to come and I cannot wait to be there every step of the way.

“Thanks for all the memories, Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Minnesota, Detroit and Memphis. We will miss you.”

Rose posed with a newspaper and sat at a chess table for the announcement of his retirement

In a lengthy statement, Rose paid tribute to his “first love” after a 17-year basketball career

Alaina’s tribute followed Rose’s own announcement of retirement, in which he called basketball his “first love.”

“You believed in me through the highs and lows, you were my constant when everything 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 his statement he signs off with, “Forever Yours, Derrick Rose.”

The photo next to the post shows Rose holding a copy of today’s newspaper, which contains his announcement, and sitting in front of a chessboard.

Rose became the NBA’s youngest MVP at age 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 everything to my family – they deserve it.’

Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history when he won the award at age 22 for his play during the 2010-11 season. He seemed destined for a career at the top after leading the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals that postseason.

However, in 2012 he tore his ACL and the following year his meniscus, and he would never perform consistently again as he struggled with injuries for the rest of his career.

Still, he had some memorable moments during his time with the Timberwolves and Knicks (including a personal-best 50 points for Minnesota in 2018) and will be remembered for his explosive athleticism earlier in his career.