Derrick Rose announces his retirement after 16 years

Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose is ending his career and announced his retirement on Thursday in a heartfelt social media post.

“Thank you, my first love…” Rose said on Instagram. “You believed in me through highs and lows, were my constant when everything else seemed uncertain. You showed me what love really means.”

“You made the farm my sanctuary, a home where I could express myself freely. You made every early morning and late night we spent together worth every drop of sweat.”

“You reminded me that I could always count on you and that in every moment of doubt, you would show me what I was capable of.”

Selected No. 1 by Memphis in 2008, Rose quickly developed into one of the league’s best players, winning Rookie of the Year honors and becoming the youngest MVP in league history after winning the award in 2011 as a 22-year-old.

Unfortunately, Rose – who played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons and hometown Memphis Grizzlies – was plagued by injuries throughout his career… the worst of which was a torn ACL in the 2012 playoffs.

The 35-year-old thanked the sport for giving him experiences he never imagined… and for helping to make him the man he is on and off the field.

“You stood by me unconditionally, even when the world seemed to be against me, and waited for me to pick you up,” he added.

“You have given me a gift, our time together, which I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

“You told me it was okay to say goodbye and assured me that you would always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me.”

Rose’s departure sparked reactions from NBA colleagues such as Kevin Durant, Isaiah Thomas and more.