Derrick Rose is reflecting on his role as a father, emphasizing how important it is for him to be involved in his children’s lives.
In an interview with Club 520 Podcast, the retired NBA star talked about the lessons he’s instilling in his kids, and why family is at the center of his life.
One standout moment in the conversation was when Rose shared his personal perspective on the difference between being a “dad” and being a “father.” For him, the term “dad” represents a more intimate, meaningful bond with his children.
“My kids call me dad; I love when they call me dad. Not ‘father’—that doesn’t sound right to me,” Rose said. ” It doesn’t sound right to me. So, like, the time that I’m putting in, giving every one of my kids that equal time, you know what I’m saying?”
Rose, who is a father of three, explained how he takes an active role in shaping his children’s lives, particularly his eldest son, PJ Rose, who is following in his dad’s footsteps with a passion for basketball.
He shared, “Since he’s the oldest, I have to be a little bit more strict on him as far as making sure he gets up on time for school, taking out the garbage—all little chore [ stuff ]. But it creates your character, you know what I’m saying?”
However, Rose is careful to balance discipline with support, recognizing that his son has his own path to follow. He’s not interested in pushing him too hard or making him feel like he has to live up to his father’s NBA legacy.
“Like, he got his own individuality too. So once I see that, I don’t want to tamper with that because I see that if I do, he’s going to try to fllow me or follow in my footsteps. You’re your own person; you are PJ Rose; you are your own entity.”
Rose also recalled a pivotal moment when his son was weighing a major decision involving a potential deal. Although it was a tough conversation, Rose felt it was necessary to help his son understand his value.
“He started to hear what I was saying. He heard what I was saying but started crying. I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m not here to chastise you or make you feel like you made the wrong decision. I’m just showing you that you have worth. They’re coming because you have worth. Now you decide what that worth is going to be.”
The basketball icon, who recently retired, says his family is his number one priority now. He’s shifted his focus entirely to being present for his kids, making sure they grow up in a supportive environment.
“I’m quitting because of me. Yeah, I’m tired of it. I’m doing this solely to be around y’all. Taking you to school, I’m picking you up. I’m doing this; I’m doing that.’ You may not understand it now; that’s my whole little saying now. You ain’t going to understand it, but later on, you’re going to respect it.”