When people think of highlight reel dunks that defy gravity, they think of Blake Griffin. But the former NBA star has decided to take off his shoes after 13 seasons of an illustrious career and countless battles on the court.
Griffin took to social media on Tuesday to announce his retirement. His message wasn’t a lengthy, sentimental farewell. Instead, it overflowed with genuine thankfulness. Put simply, it was gratitude for the journey, not just the destination.
“I never thought I’d write a big letter saying I’m done with basketball,” Griffin admitted. But his focus wasn’t on accolades. “The one feeling I kept having was gratitude,” he shared.
Griffin was grateful for all the fun times, including the victories, the honors, and the jaw-dropping dunks that the fans went absolutely bonkers for. Spending quality time with loved ones, admirers, colleagues, and coaches was something he treasured as well. A special shoutout went to his parents and brother, for their unwavering support, and his agent, whom Griffin humorously called his “wartime consigliere”—a trusted advisor in the trenches.
Griffin’s message wasn’t a sugar-coated highlight reel. He acknowledged the challenges, the crushing losses, the physical toll of injuries and surgeries, and even the “haters” who were part of the sports community. He reflected that his 14 years in the league were truly unforgettable because of all these experiences. This willingness to embrace the full spectrum of his career—the triumphs and the setbacks—painted a picture of a well-rounded athlete grateful for the journey.
The Clippers drafted Blake Griffin in 2009, but a knee injury kept him on the bench for his first year. He wasn’t demotivated, though. When he finally got to play in the 2010–11 season, his rookie year, he took off like a rocket. His crazy dunks were so good that they won him the Slam Dunk Contest. Furthermore, his all-around skills earned him a place on the All-Star team the same year. By the end of the season, he’d won the “Rookie of the Year” honors too.
What’s next for Blake Griffin?
While expressing excitement for the next chapter is a common theme in retirement announcements, Griffin took a different approach. “Here comes the obligatory ‘I’m excited for my next chapter’ part: just kidding, I’m done,” he quipped. This lighthearted closing captured the essence of his message: a genuine appreciation for a remarkable basketball career, coupled with a refreshing dose of honesty about the unknown future.
Blake Griffin’s retirement announcement serves as a reminder that success is more than just statistics and trophies. It’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the relationships built along the way.
As he embarks on a new chapter, one thing is certain: the NBA won’t soon forget the high-flying dunks and the player who left the game with a heart full of gratitude.
