Derrick Rose retires, takes out full-page newspaper ad in Detroit Free Press

Derrick Rose announced his retirement Thursday from the NBA after a 16-year playing career , and thanked the sport of basketball in taking out advertisements in the local papers of the cities he played for.

That includes the Detroit Free Press — Rose spent parts of two seasons playing for the Detroit Pistons — in Thursday's print edition.

Rose, now 35, signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Pistons in 2019 free agency. He played in 50 of a possible 66 games in 2019-20 before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the team's final month of the season. He averaged 18.1 points on 49% shooting and 5.6 assists, establishing himself as a favorite among Pistons fans.

He appeared in 15 games with the Pistons in 2020-21 before being traded to the New York Knicks for Dennis Smith Jr. and a second-round pick.

Rose, the 2010-11 NBA MVP and a three-time All-Star, posted pictures to his Instagram account of himself with the newspapers announcing his retirement.

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Rose also took out ads in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Commercial Appeal, Cleveland Plain Dealer and Minneapolis Star Tribune.

A powerful mega athlete as a 6-foot-3 guard, Rose starred in high school in Chicago, spent one year in college at Memphis leading the Tigers to the national championship game, then became the No. 1 overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft.

Derrick Rose newspaper advertisement message

Here's is Rose's retirement letter in full, reading the same in all six papers:

"Thank You, My First Love...

You believed in me through the highs and lows, my constant when everything else seemed uncertain.

You showed me what love truly meant. You turned the court into 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 rely on you, that in every moment of doubt, you would show me what I'm capable of.

You introduced me to new places and cultures that a kid from Chicago could have never imagined.

You taught me that every loss was a lesson and every win was a reason to be grateful.

You offered wisdom that was not just about the game, but about life, discipline, hard work, perseverance.

You showed me that passion is something to cherish, ensuring that I pour my heart into every dribble, every shot, every play.

You stood by me even when the world seemed against me, unconditionally, waiting for me to pick you up.

You gave me a gift, our time together, one that I will cherish for the rest of my days.

You told me it's okay to say goodbye, reassuring me that you'll always be a part of me, no matter where life takes me.

Forever yours, Derrick Rose"

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Derrick Rose retires, takes out full-page newspaper ad in Detroit Free Press