Bulls’ mascot selects new number following Rose’s jersey retirement
No future player for the Chicago Bulls will be permitted to wear No. 1 following the retirement of Derrick Rose’s jersey on Saturday evening. This also applies to the team’s cherished mascot, Benny the Bull.
Before the Bulls faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, Benny hinted at a potential number change several times on social media in tribute to Rose. He conducted a mock press conference where he was prompted to comment on the matter. Benny refrained from making a statement, instead displaying a sign that read: “I’ve got 99 problems but my number ain’t 1.”
Benny even arranged a focus group to select a new number, subsequently placing the No. 1 jersey in a closet before the game began.
During halftime of the Lakers contest, Benny revealed that he would now wear a white No. 99 jersey.
Major breaking news here at halftime in Chicago: With Derrick Rose’s No. 1 being retired over the weekend, Benny the Bull has changed his uniform to No. 99 pic.twitter.com/fQqNg5UfIV
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 27, 2026
No player in Bulls history has ever worn that number. The closest was No. 91, worn by Dennis Rodman, who secured three consecutive championships with the team.
The 2015 NBA Mascot of the Year made his debut on Oct. 17, 1969, and has exclusively worn No. 1. He is recognized for spilling popcorn on rival fans during games, while frequently making half-court shots — totaling 236 shots to date, as noted on his website.
Rose (No. 1) joined Jerry Sloan (No. 4), Bob Love (No. 10), Michael Jordan (No. 23), and Scottie Pippen (No. 33) as the fifth former player to have his jersey retired by the Bulls. The Chicago native played seven seasons with the Bulls and became the youngest player to win the MVP award in NBA history at the age of 22 in 2011.
