Sustained success is not easy to come by, but Jalen Rose has had it for decades and in multiple avenues.
Rose was one of the top members of influential “Fab Five” of Michigan in the early to mid 1990s, then he had a 13-year NBA career as a consistent starter, before seamlessly transitioning into the media world by working with ESPN.
But in June 2023, after over a decade and a half with ESPN, Rose was included in the slew of on-air layoffs put forth by the Disney-owned (DIS) sports network.
Since then, Rose has been away from the major media spotlight.
Rose on April 28 opened up a little on social media about his activities since being let go by ESPN nearly a year ago.
“Since Day 1, I’ve so grateful that I chose to put on for my Culture ride or die vs being a media Coon,” Rose wrote on X. “It doesn’t pay as much or always get historic views but living in & having my hometown on my drivers license is undefeated. Blessed.”
Since his days with Michigan, Rose has always been an influential figure in sports media, with the “Fab Five” known for invigorating new trends in basketball like long shorts or black socks.
Even when he joined the biggest sports media outlet there is, Rose seemed to still be unapologetically himself.
As for where he is now, Rose didn’t reveal much on his specific activities. Though based on his social media accounts, Rose seems to be focused on his foundation, the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. The Michigan native has always been known for his philanthropy, particularly in the areas he grew up in especially because he didn’t grow up with a silver spoon.
He also puts out content occasionally on his YouTube channel, JalenTV, which has over 100,000 subscribers. However, the content isn’t too consistent and ranges from podcast-style interviews to vlogs of his foundation’s events.
But Rose did share an interesting tidbit on X about another media destination that hasn’t happened.
Rose received a reply from a user asking why Rose did not join The Ringer, which is owned by Rose’s former ESPN colleague Bill Simmons. Rose seemed to insinuate that he’d welcome an offer that he just never received.
“Family always but never got an offer,” Rose wrote on X.
Family always but never got an offer. https://t.co/0VpLJOiID0
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) April 29, 2024
Simmons has always spoken highly of Rose, and he’s had him on the “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” though this was back when Rose was still with ESPN.
However, Rose’s former ESPN partner Jacoby has joined Simmons on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” as recently as January of this year. Jacoby left ESPN in 2022 and has since joined FS1.
The news of Rose not receiving an offer from Simmons also comes after ESPN host Mina Kimes alluded to rejecting an offer to leave ESPN from Simmons and The Ringer.
Related: Top ESPN host admits to nearly leaving the company last year
