Seattle paid tribute to basketball legend Sue Bird in a moving ceremony that lasted over two hours, commemorating her remarkable 21-year WNBA career. The event, held on Sunday, saw the Seattle Storm retire Bird's number 10 jersey, a fitting honor for a player who defined the point guard position.
The extended ceremony, while unplanned, proved necessary for Bird to express her gratitude to everyone who played a role in her journey. From her fiancée Megan Rapinoe and rapper Macklemore, who served as emcees, to former teammates like Swin Cash and Lauren Jackson, who delivered touching tributes, the event was a collective embrace of Bird's legacy.
Bird's speech, the centerpiece of the celebration, highlighted the sense of belonging she found in Seattle. She expressed her appreciation for the city that allowed her to evolve both as a player and as a person, emphasizing the feeling of being seen and safe. Bird’s jersey is the second retired by the Storm, joining Lauren Jackson's number 15.
The weekend-long festivities included raising a flag with Bird's number at the Space Needle. While the ceremony significantly exceeded its scheduled time, the audience remained captivated by Bird's words. The event provided the closure that Bird didn't experience after the Storm's playoff exit last season. The presence of teammates from throughout her career, notably Jackson who traveled from Australia, underscored the impact Bird had on those around her.
The celebration was a blend of heartfelt tributes, humorous anecdotes, and musical moments, including a rendition of Tina Turner's "The Best" led by Rapinoe. The culmination of the event was the raising of Bird's jersey to the rafters, solidifying her place among the WNBA's greats. Rapinoe aptly summarized the sentiment of the day, congratulating Bird on "arguably the best career anyone has had in the history of any sport. Ever."
