Derrick Rose: He's Not Just a Superstar, He's a Role Model

In today's day and age, it's hard to find anyone that would even show the slightest resemblance to a role model for the younger generation. Many young people have tried through future Hall of Famers and even pop culture stars.

But the majority of those stars have had their own run-ins with the law or have done something else that would shine a negative light on their persona. 

In the case of Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose, the reigning MVP of the league has always come off as someone who is soft spoken off the court. He also comes off as someone who is perhaps the most humble human being anyone would wish to meet.

But in a recent interview with GQ Magazine, the 23-year-old youngest MVP in NBA history showed another aspect of his life that should be appreciated by anyone who wants to model themselves after someone who could be a positive influence in their life.

"Chicago isn't used to stardom," Rose said to GQ's Will Leitch in the article. "Back when Michael [Jordan] was here, everyone was used to actors and singers and people being at the games. But there's been a drought since then, and even celebrities, they'll stop here to film a movie and then pop right back out. They don't know how to act toward celebrity. So I always have someone with me. I can have a hat on, glasses on, whatever. People still notice me. If I go outside without a hat on, I feel like I'm naked. This life doesn't fit my personality."

This statement, out of everything that was said in that article, is the reason why Rose is quickly becoming one of the most popular players in the NBA. He doesn't need the glitz and glamour that many other athletes in today's world take on with a full head of steam.

For one thing, it's a great sense of character to see that the fame and fortune that Rose receives as the new star for the Bulls isn't something he wants. It's a true reflection of who he is, in the fact that he just loves to play basketball. He doesn't want to do anything else in life except step on the hardwood and play.

He's quickly becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the league and in the world. He's never been seen as someone who walks down Michigan Avenue to meet up with fans and drown himself in the spotlight.

The one admirable quality about Rose is that he's honest and real in who he is. He's never had to change for anything or anyone. And if you need any proof to see how real he is, then you don't need to look any further than his press conference when he accepted his MVP award.

He's set the standard on family coming first before anything. His mother, Brenda, and his three brothers have always been a driving force in his life, and his personality from that press conference and this recent article in GQ is a true showcase to who the man known as Derrick Rose really is.

Rose will be one of the greats when all is said and done, but right now he wants to play ball and nothing more. The NBA titles will come thanks in part to his level-headedness. He wants to win, and it's no surprise he wants to win now.

But he will more than likely never come out in public and say that he wants to pass Michael Jordan's six championships. That's a goal every great player aspires to reach, but he won't come out for a fancy light show and guarantee multiple championships.

He'll let his play do the talking.

These traits alone make D-Rose the next great, potential role model for the young community. He brings out the greatest intangibles that every young child, whether they want to play basketball or aspire to become something completely different, would want to know.

At only 23, he's already extremely mature for his age. He doesn't show the tarnished mold certain celebrities like Alex Rodriguez, Chris Brown or Miley Cyrus have displayed over time. Money and fame appear to have gotten to their heads, and they never seemed to have learned the way that Rose has.

Any young child, or any young kid who looks to find inspiration in their lives should look to Rose in almost every facet. He will set the tone for the future generation of players who wish to be great players and human beings.

And as long as he continues to be a great person, he'll become an even greater player.