Derrick Rose’s story when he heard about his ACL injury will break the hearts of Bulls fans again

Former NBA star Derrick Rose recently opened the story of one of the most heartbreaking moments in his career: a torn ACL injury he suffered during the 2012 NBA playoffs while playing for Chicago Bulls. Speaking on the Out the Mud podcast, hosted by former NBA players Zach Randolph and Tony Allen, Rose shared vivid and emotional details about the injury and its aftermath, offering fans a rare glimpse into his struggles.

Rose described the moment of impact during The Bulls’ first round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ersrecalling the momentary realization that something was seriously wrong.

“Of course, pop.” “I knew I ripped my shit right off,” Rose said. “The nerves start shaking your leg and you can’t control your nerves – like oh s*ss, like something really happened. I tried to walk, I couldn’t walk.”

Derrick Rose’s devastating ACL injuries derailed Bulls’ championship hopes and set in motion an emotional recovery

The injury, which occurred late in Game 1 when the Bulls had a comfortable lead, sent shockwaves through the basketball world. Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history at just 22 years old, led Chicago to a league-best 62-20 record during the 2010-11 season and was widely seen as the key to their championship aspirations.

The emotional toll of the injury came quickly for Rose. He recounted the lonely moment he was alone during the MRI process and the devastating news that followed.

“I started crying because it was the first time I was alone,” Rose said. “It hit me – hell, what if this jackass rips… it’s over. Get out of the machine, they tell me it’s torn – I’m fucking breaking down crying. My mom is there, trying to help me.”

The injury marked the beginning of an arduous process of recovery, both physical and psychological. Rose detailed the arduous rehabilitation journey, from learning how to walk again to enduring persistent pain that has dogged him throughout his career.

“You have to get through the scar tissue first. Fuck scar tissue – what about when you have to get on the bike before you can walk and try to get your bearings,” he said. “You feel like you’re alone – like all the time, you feel like you’re the only one.”

Rose’s resilience to pain cements his lasting NBA legacy

Derrick Rose explained the psychological challenges that came with realizing he would never fully return to his pre-injury form. Despite the setbacks, he continued to fight through the pain for the rest of his 15-year career.

“I will never be the same.” Like, I’ll never be the same. I swear… can I take this pain because everyday is not going to be pain free when you are dealing with an injury. After the ACL injury until I was 15, I played through some kind of pain – all those years to get where I was.”

Rose’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges athletes face behind the scenes. For a player who once carried the hopes of an entire city as the face of the Chicago Bulls, his resilience and determination to overcome adversity remain a testament to his legacy.

The injury not only changed the trajectory of Rose’s career but also left an indelible mark on the basketball world. Despite the heartbreak, Rose’s accomplishments — including three All-Star selections, the 2009 Rookie of the Year award and his historic MVP season — continue to cement his place as one of the most influential players of his generation.