The basketball world is still absorbing the news that former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose has retired from professional basketball. The news became official when Rose, soon to be 35, posted about it on Instagram.

Rose reportedly took a page out of the local newspaper in every city he played in during his career – Chicago, New York, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Detroit and Memphis. Inside each paper was a message from the 2011 MVP.

“Thank you, my first love,” Rose wrote. “You believed in me through all the ups and downs, 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 gave me a gift, our time together, one that I will cherish for the rest of my days. You told me it was okay to say goodbye and assured me that no matter where life takes you, you will always be a part of me.”

Former Los Angeles Clippers Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford commented on one of Derrick Rose’s posts on Instagram, congratulating him on his 15-year NBA career.

“One of the few players younger than me who inspired me,” Crawford said in his Instagram Story post. “The only thing that could ever transcend your talent is who you are as a person. The realist.”

“The ONLY thing that could transcend your talent is who you are as a person,” Crawford said immediately. “You even inspired your OGs.” The only thing. You know what we’re all about. Love !!!!”

Rose played 22 games against Crawford over the course of his career, winning 12 of them.

The 2011 MVP, still the youngest player to ever win the award, is officially retired from the NBA after averaging 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

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