Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls’ No. 1 pick in 2008 and youngest MVP ever, opened up about the mental challenges of his career.
He spoke candidly about the anxiety and pressure in an exclusive interview with Bulls reporter K.C. Johnson ahead of his jersey retirement.
Derrick Rose Opens Up About Anxiety Struggles Throughout His NBA Career
On Saturday, the Bulls retired Rose’s No. 1 jersey at the United Center, raising it to the rafters alongside legends like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Jerry Sloan, and Bob Love. But beyond the recognition, Rose’ career has been a constant struggle with mental issues.
“Being nervous before every game, not being able to sleep the night before every game, the anxiety, the pressure or the burden of wanting to play a perfect game within a structure that’s not meant to be played perfect. It was stress, it was a lot of stress. But at the same time being from Chicago I think I was built for it. If only people knew,” Rose told Johnson.
Rose’s reflections highlight the often-overlooked mental toll NBA athletes face. Psychology expert Laura M. Miele noted in a 2014 Psychology Today article that athletes, particularly those recovering from injuries, like Rose, often play “in fear because in the back of their minds, they may be worrying about re-injury… the mental side of rehabilitation is often overlooked.”
Over a 15-season career spanning six franchises, Rose endured repeated physical setbacks, including the notorious left ACL tear on April 28, 2012, during Game 1 of the Bulls’ playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
“You go from that (physical rehab) to mentally having to deal with, like, ‘I’m never going to be the same.’ That sh*t is rough, bro. Like, ‘I’m never going to be the same.’ I swear, bro, you ask yourself, ‘Can I play through this pain?'” he shared on the “Out The Mud” podcast.
Rose’s struggles were compounded by childhood trauma in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, which, coupled with the intense expectations and pressure of the NBA, often left him with PTSD-like symptoms.
In a 2025 Athletic interview, he reflected on the stark contrast between basketball’s pressure and the calm of chess, saying, “I had anxiety whenever I (played basketball).”
Despite these challenges, Rose’s career remains remarkable. He averaged 19.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds over 406 games for the Bulls and became a symbol of resilience for players managing both physical and mental battles.
His story sheds light on the unseen struggles behind the highlights and the heavy burden of expectation at the highest level of professional basketball.
