You’ve seen it. That bright yellow and blue mesh. Maybe you saw a grainy highlight on YouTube of a kid with a buzz cut teleporting to the rim, or perhaps you spotted one hanging in the back of a vintage shop in Wicker Park. The derrick rose simeon jersey isn’t just some piece of old high school athletic wear. It’s a relic.
Honestly, in Chicago, it’s closer to a holy garment.
But there’s a weird tension behind that jersey. Most people think he wore number 25 just because he was the best player in the state. Or maybe because he liked the way the digits looked. That’s not even half the story. To understand why people are still hunting for authentic replicas in 2026, you have to understand the ghost that Rose was carrying on his back every time he stepped onto the floor at Simeon Career Academy.
The Weight of the Number 25
Before Derrick Rose was "Poohdini," there was Ben Wilson.
Benji was the original Chicago hope. In 1984, he was the number one high school player in the entire country. Then, he was shot and killed right outside the school. It’s a wound that never really healed for the South Side. After that, Simeon didn't just retire the number 25. They did something much more intense: they turned it into a mantle.
The coach would only give that number to the player deemed "the best." It wasn't a gift; it was a massive, terrifying responsibility.
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When Rose put on that derrick rose simeon jersey, he wasn't just playing for a college scholarship. He was playing for a city’s lost legend. He wore it through two state championships. He wore it while turning Simeon into a national powerhouse. He did it with a quiet, almost eerie humility that made him a god in Englewood.
Why Collectors Are Obsessed Right Now
If you’re trying to find one of these today, good luck. It's a minefield.
Since the Bulls announced they’re retiring Rose’s No. 1 jersey this month (January 2026), the market for his high school gear has absolutely exploded. People want to go back to the beginning. They want the raw, pre-ACL-tear version of Rose.
Most of what you’ll find on eBay or Etsy are "custom" jobs. They look okay from a distance, but the details are usually wrong. The real Simeon jerseys from that 2003-2007 era had a specific weight to the mesh. The "SIMEON" lettering across the chest has a very particular arch.
Spotting a Real Throwback
- The Colors: Simeon uses a very specific "Wolverine" blue and gold. If it looks like Golden State Warriors blue, it’s probably a cheap knockoff.
- The Stitching: True high-quality replicas (like those from Mitchell & Ness or specific "Headgear Classics" runs) use tackle twill. If the numbers feel like thin plastic stickers, keep walking.
- The Brand: Back then, Simeon was an Adidas school. Rose’s relationship with the three stripes started early. If you see a "Nike" swoosh on a 2007-era Simeon jersey, it’s factually a fantasy piece.
It’s About the Culture, Not Just the Mesh
I was talking to a guy at a jersey convention last month who had an original 2007 game-issue. He wouldn't even put a price on it. He just kept talking about the 2006 state title game against Rich Central.
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"Derrick didn't even want to score," he told me. "He just wanted to make sure everyone else got a bucket first."
That’s the soul of the derrick rose simeon jersey. It represents a kid who had every reason to be the biggest ego in the room but chose to be a teammate instead. When he finally went to the New York Knicks later in his career and switched back to number 25, it wasn't a marketing gimmick. It was a full-circle moment. He was telling Chicago he still remembered the weight of that yellow mesh.
Where to Actually Buy One (and What to Avoid)
Look, unless you have a few thousand dollars for a game-worn piece from a private auction, you’re looking for a replica.
Don't buy from those random Instagram ads. You’ll end up with a jersey that’s three sizes too small and smells like industrial glue.
Authentic Mitchell & Ness: They’ve done "Hardwood Classics" runs of high school jerseys before. These are your best bet for "human-quality" gear. They use the right materials and the sizing is consistent.
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The DHGate Gamble: We’ve all been tempted. $25 for a jersey? Seems great until it arrives and the "25" is crooked. If you go this route, check the reviews for photos of the actual product. Usually, the "S" in Simeon is the first thing they mess up.
Vintage Resale: Sites like Grailed or even specialized Chicago boutiques (shoutout to the shops near the United Center) sometimes get the rare Adidas versions from the mid-2010s. Those are the ones that actually appreciate in value.
Taking Action: Your Next Move
If you're serious about owning a piece of Chicago history, don't just click the first link you see.
First, decide if you want a "display" piece or something to wear. If it’s for a frame, spend the extra $100 on a stitched Mitchell & Ness. The way the light hits the tackle twill is night and day compared to a screen-print.
Second, check the retirement schedule. With the Bulls' ceremony happening on January 26, 2026, prices are at an all-time high. If you can wait until the summer, the "hype tax" usually dips a bit.
Finally, if you’re a real nerd for the details, look for the versions that include the "Benji" patch or embroidery. Some tribute versions have a small "25" or "Benji" nod on the shoulder or hem. That’s the version that actually respects the history Rose was carrying.
Owning a derrick rose simeon jersey isn't just about being a Bulls fan. It’s about respecting the grind of a kid from Englewood who became the youngest MVP in history, all while carrying the legacy of a fallen star on his shoulders. That yellow and blue isn't just a color scheme. It’s Chicago's heartbeat.