Local Woman Crafts Derrick Rose's Bulls Jersey Retirement Banner

Maria Estela Barra's emotional reaction to seeing her work honored goes viral.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:31pm

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Maria Estela Barra, a local seamstress in Chicago, was the one who created the banner honoring Derrick Rose's jersey retirement by the Chicago Bulls. Barra, who has worked at W.G.N. Flag and Decorating Company for 39 years, was brought to tears when she saw her work displayed at the United Center during the ceremony. Her granddaughter captured Barra's emotional reaction, which went viral and earned her recognition from the crowd and the team.

Why it matters

Barra's story highlights the often unsung contributions of local artisans and craftspeople who play a vital role in commemorating the achievements of sports heroes. Her decades of work sewing banners and flags for Chicago's teams have gone largely unnoticed, until this moment when her emotional connection to her craft was shared with the world.

The details

Barra, who was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and taught herself to sew, has been the lead on major projects at W.G.N. Flag and Decorating Company, including creating championship banners and retirement jersey banners for other Bulls legends. For the Derrick Rose banner, her work was showcased on the jumbotron at the United Center, bringing her to tears and earning her chants of "MVP" from the crowd.

  • Barra has worked at W.G.N. Flag and Decorating Company for 39 years.
  • Derrick Rose's jersey retirement ceremony took place on Saturday.

The players

Maria Estela Barra

A local seamstress in Chicago who has worked at W.G.N. Flag and Decorating Company for 39 years, creating banners and flags honoring Chicago sports teams.

Derrick Rose

Former Chicago Bulls player whose jersey was retired by the team in a ceremony at the United Center.

W.G.N. Flag and Decorating Company

The Chicago-based company where Maria Estela Barra has worked for 39 years, creating banners and flags for local sports teams.

Carl "Gus" Porter

The president and CEO of W.G.N. Flag and Decorating Company.

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What they’re saying

“Her humbleness, she is the first to say 'No, no, this is everybody's accomplishment,' and that's really just a testament to who she is.”

— Carl "Gus" Porter, President and CEO, W.G.N. Flag and Decorating Company (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Barra has no plans to slow down or retire anytime soon, as she finds great joy in her work creating banners and flags for Chicago's sports teams.

The takeaway

Maria Estela Barra's story is a heartwarming reminder of the unsung heroes behind the scenes who play a crucial role in commemorating the achievements of sports icons. Her decades of dedication and craftsmanship have finally earned her the recognition she deserves, inspiring pride in her community and a newfound appreciation for the artistry that goes into creating these iconic sports banners.