Derrick Rose: Defying All Odds

By: L. Gurney

​Have you ever experienced a moment of truth? Life is constantly testing us, and putting us in positions where the decisions we make can change everything. In sports, one of the greatest challenges a player could face is dealing with injuries that could determine the rest of their future. These moments break down athletes both mentally and physically, testing their resilience and endurance in these hard times. But it also leaves athletes a choice to make: they can sit out, recover and get better, they can try and continue playing despite the injury, or they can simply give up.

Derrick Rose is a 36-year old former professional American basketball player; his journey through the NBA has been significant, as he achieved remarkable highs, but also experienced tragic lows. From winning the MVP award at just 22, to enduring several devastating injuries throughout his career. Regardless of the challenges, Rose held his head high, determined to exceed and to get better everyday.

The NBA 2010 – 2011 season was when Rose truly made a name for himself in basketball history, when he became the youngest player to win the NBA MVP award. However, all that glory soon came to an end when in the opening of the 2012 playoffs, Rose tore his ACL in his left knee. This injury did not only raise concern about the outcome of the Bulls, but also raised questions on if Rose was ever going to be able to get back to his MVP form, as recovery was uncertain. Rose saw his prime year pass by, as he was off the court for the whole of that season. Although this incident was shattering to Rose both mentally and physically, Rose fought to get better: “I just keep telling myself, ‘You're going to get through this.’ It’s about trusting the process and understanding that setbacks are just a part of the journey.” Alongside his torn ACL, Rose fought through many more injuries throughout his career. Rose suffered from a torn meniscus, surgeries and much more… But the question remained: “could he ever return to MVP form?”

Nearly 6 years after his torn ACL, Rose redeemed himself, surprising the crowd as he dropped 50 points in a game against the Utah Jazz, his very first 50-point game. In this moment of truth, after years of falling and getting back up, Rose finally proved to himself and to the world that he was in fact capable of returning to his form. After the game, Rose was emotional and cried as he told interviewers that this was the opportunity he had been waiting for.

The story of Derrick Rose, shows how if you truly want something and keep on going even whilst encountering challenges along the way, you will get there. Which is why it is important to always be resilient and never give up.

To end on his words: “Everything happens for a reason, I come here and I work my hardest everyday, and the last couple of years I’ve been looking for an opportunity to go out there and play the way that I normally play.” – Derrick Rose