HEAVYWEIGHT, 6.5 OZ RELAXED FIT 100% COMBED COTTON PRESHRUNK TO MINIMIZE SHRINKAGE At Children in the Middle, our roots run deep, and so does our respect for the legend that is Derrick Rose. For over a decade, I’ve been creating, reimagining, and putting out pieces that tell his story—because I’ve known from the jump that Derrick Rose was never just a player. He was a symbol. A symbol of resilience, greatness, and the undeniable spirit of the city of Chicago. I remember being a shorty watching Derrick tear up the courts at Beasley. Long before MVPs and all the injuries, I could already feel it as an 8 year old kid that he was special. And when he made that transition to Simeon, it was like Chicago had found its next basketball hero. Every time he played, it was like watching greatness unfold in real time. We all knew something big was coming, even when no one else outside of Chicago really knew who Derrick Rose was yet. The Pooh Tee is a tribute to that legend—the one who wore #25 at Simeon and inspired all of us in ways we can’t even fully explain. From 2012 on, through injuries and comebacks, I stayed committed to putting out pieces that honored Derrick’s journey. Because no matter what happened, we always knew the heart of Chicago was still in him. From that 2007 state championship run to the days when he was playing at the highest level, and through all the setbacks, D-Rose never gave up—and neither did we. That’s why this shirt isn’t just a piece of clothing; it’s the beginning of my story. A story of rising above adversity. A story of staying true to where you come from. A story of what it means to be a real product of Chicago—gritty, fearless, and relentless. The Pooh Tee is more than just a nod to D-Rose legendary career; it’s a reflection of the heart and soul of Chicago. It’s for every kid who grew up watching D-Rose in the city and understood that greatness comes from the most unexpected places. Derrick Rose was always a living legend. This has always been our way of making sure the world never forgets it. From Chicago to the world, D-Rose journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. And for all of us who know what it means to be "Children in the Middle," we wear that pride on our sleeves. Literally.
