Seattle storm sue bird jersey retirement

At one point Sunday, after yet another overflowing tribute to Sue Bird, co-host Macklemore joked about the growing length of her jersey retirement ceremony. But then he shrugged. Above all else, the 2-hour-andminute ceremony at Climate Pledge Arena — about 50 minutes longer than the game that preceded it, a Storm loss to the Washington Mystics — was a monument of love. The love that virtually everyone brought up to speak has for Bird and felt compelled to detail, and, as Bird expressed in her own expansive, emotional and at times hilarious hour-andminute speech, seattle storm sue bird jersey retirement, the love she has for them.

Former Seattle Storm player Sue Bird, in green, watches with her family as her jersey number is retired and lifted into the rafters during a ceremony following a WNBA basketball game between the Seattle Storm and the Washington Mystics, Sunday, June 11, , in Seattle. Former professional basketball player Sue Bird poses for members of the media after she raised a replica of her jersey retirement banner on top of the Space Needle in Seattle, Wash. And for Bird to share her thanks to former coaches, teammates, family, friends and fans who watched her win four WNBA titles and five Olympic gold medals and become the standard by which all other point guards are judged. The ceremony was scheduled for approximately 45 minutes and lasted nearly four times longer. It was at times emotional and had those involved fighting back tears with speeches that stretched far beyond the allotted time.

Seattle storm sue bird jersey retirement

Soccer star Rapinoe honored her girlfriend Bird in an emotional ceremony. O ne of the top power couples in sports made another high-profile appearance on Sunday. Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird returned to Climate Pledge Arena for the latter's jersey retirement, a lengthy but emotional ceremony that saw the star of the OL Reign and the United States women's team tear up while introducing her girlfriend -- a Seattle Storm legend. Rapinoe served as co-master of ceremonies alongside rapper Macklemore , a Seattle native and Storm fan. Rapinoe set the tone for the ceremony by congratulating Bird on completing "arguably the best career that anyone has had" in sports history. Those are potent words coming from Rapinoe, often regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players in the history of the sport. Known almost as much for her fashion sense and social activism as she is for her play on the pitch, Rapinoe has made appearances for the US national team and received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in Rapinoe and Bird began dating in , long after the Seattle Storm point guard had solidified her position as one of the WNBA 's greats. In a year career spent entirely with Seattle , Bird won four WNBA championships and became the league's all-time assists leader. Now, her 10 jersey hangs in the rafters at the Storm 's home arena. Megan Rapinoe - English.

Israel-Hamas war. At her news conference after the speech, Bird reiterated what her sister, Jennifer, told her when Sue asked afterward if she had gone on too long:. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest?

But then he shrugged. Above all else, the two-hour, minute ceremony at Climate Pledge Arena — about 50 minutes longer than the game that preceded it, a Storm loss to the Washington Mystics — was a monument of love. The love that virtually everyone brought up to speak has for Bird and felt compelled to detail, and, as Bird expressed in her own expansive, emotional and at times hilarious one-hour, minute speech, the love she has for them. At her news conference after the speech, Bird reiterated what her sister, Jennifer, told her when Sue asked afterward if she had gone on too long:. It really goes beyond the basketball court. It almost has nothing to do with basketball in so many ways. I feel like a lot was made last year of what I have given them.

Bird's jersey number was retired in a ceremony after the game. Bird's jersey number was retired in a postgame ceremony. Bird went on to pay tribute to everyone who played a part in her journey, recounting her entire career from her youth days in Syosset, New York, up until the very end. They can listen to you for an hour. That feeling was palpable as Bird took a deep breath and soaked it all in before letting out a grin from ear to ear as her No.

Seattle storm sue bird jersey retirement

Ceremonially, the Storm will say goodbye and honor Bird when they retire her No. Can somebody make sure that happens? Since being drafted No. The 5-foot-9 ponytailed playmaker from Syosset, New York, became a Seattle icon and a fixture in the Storm lineup while playing and starting games — the most in WNBA history — and compiling a regular-season record and mark in the playoffs for more than two decades. She announced retirement plans last June and spent the second half of the season being serenaded with praise and tributes during a farewell tour that drew thousands of fans who flocked in droves to witness her final stops around the league. Initially, the steely cool Bird was reluctant about being feted with pregame tributes and celebrations, but she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection bestowed upon her. All the love, obviously here in Seattle but even on the road just seeing the turnout and seeing people wearing my jersey or people wearing my shoe or people making signs.

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The speech culminated with a tribute to Storm fans, a group that has swelled tremendously over the past decades, thanks in large part to Bird's play and connection with the community. Given her four WNBA championships and five Olympic gold medals, plus a record 13 All-Star appearances, there's little debate that Bird retired as the greatest point guard in women's basketball history. At one point Sunday, after yet another overflowing tribute to Sue Bird, co-host Macklemore joked about the growing length of her jersey retirement ceremony. I was like, 'Was that too long? Naturally, there was deeper emotional resonance when Bird spoke about her partner, Megan Rapinoe, who co-hosted with Macklemore. The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times. Texas woman mistaken as intruder and shot by police speaks for the 1st time. It was at times emotional and had those involved fighting back tears with speeches that stretched far beyond the allotted time. Feb 15, PM. Topics include the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and, especially, the people responsible for either outcome, as well as the wide chasm between. Two moments saved her career, Bird said: When she hired Susan Borchardt as personal trainer, and when Stewart and Jewell Loyd joined the team. When I watch you guys play, I see a piece of myself out there. This is how everyone feels about you.

Drafted No. Bird led the Storm to four titles and was chosen an All-Star a record 13 times. During Bird's final season, she was honored at Seattle's last home game of the regular season, which featured the largest crowd in franchise history.

For more information, visit our FAQ's. All Rights Reserved. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? US imposes 'crushing' sanctions on Russia 2 years after Ukraine invasion. Texas woman mistaken as intruder and shot by police speaks for the 1st time. We did it! Do I want to be home? Two moments saved her career, Bird said: When she hired Susan Borchardt as personal trainer, and when Stewart and Jewell Loyd joined the team. Soccer star Rapinoe honored her girlfriend Bird in an emotional ceremony. Posting comments is now limited to subscribers only.