No future member of Chicago Bulls Franchises will be able to wear number 1 after it is retired Derrick Rosejersey of on Saturday night. The same applies to the team’s beloved mascot, Benny the Bull.
Before the Bulls matchup Los Angeles Lakers On Monday night, Beane teased a possible number change several times on social media in Rose’s honor. They held a fake news conference where he was asked to address it. Benny made no comment, instead displaying a sign that read: “I have 99 problems but my number is not 1.”
Benny also conducted a focus group to choose a number as he hung the No. 1 jersey in a closet before tipoff.
At halftime of the Lakers game, Benny revealed that he would now wear a white number 99 jersey.
Major breaking news at halftime in Chicago: With Derrick Rose retiring No. 1 over the weekend, Benny the Bull has changed his uniform to No. 99 pic.twitter.com/fQqNg5UfIV
-Dave McMenamin (@mcten) 27 January 2026
No player in Bulls history has worn this number. The closest is Dennis Rodman at No. 91, who won three consecutive titles with the franchise.
The 2015 NBA Mascot of the Year debuted on October 17, 1969, and has only been ranked No. 1. He is known for scattering popcorn at opposing fans at games, while often hitting half-century shots – according to his website, 236 shots so far.
Rose (No. 1) joined Jerry Sloan (No. 4), Bob Love (No. 10), Michael Jordan (No. 23) and Scottie Pippen (No. 33) to become the fifth former player to have his jersey retired by the Bulls. The Chicago native spent seven years with the Bulls and in 2011 became the youngest player to win the MVP award in NBA history at the age of 22.
