Dallas Mavericks: Dirk Nowitzki pens thank you to Dallas in ad section of newspaper

Dallas Mavericks long time star, Dirk Nowitzki, is officially retired from his illustrious Mavs career. Although we should really be thanking him, Dirk penned a thank you to the fans in the advertisement section of the Dallas Morning News.

I wish Dallas Mavericks fans could fully appreciate what Dirk Nowitzki did for this team and for this city. To play for the same team for your entire career is something special. To do so for 21 years, well, there is a reason that has never been done by any other player in the history of the league.

Through all of the 21 years that Dirk spent in Dallas, there were some that took him for granted. Some didn’t recognize his greatness for many years and others were unable to see the amazing player and person that was developing in front of their eyes.

It was easy for those of us watching to love and appreciate just what the big German did each and every night. Aside from giving it his all on the court at all times, Dirk never missed an opportunity to give back to the community that cherished him so much. Be it his annual Heroes Celebrity Baseball game, his love of the people before and after games or his regular visits to the Children’s Hospital, Dirk did it all.

Many of us have said our thank you’s to Dirk for the wonderful example he has set for us. In many ways, it is very clear that Nowitzki has left shoes so big that maybe no one can fill them. For that, thank you is entirely in order.

However, because Dirk is Dirk, he took the time to pen his own letter of thank you to the people of Dallas who have loved and respected him for so many years. It is safe to say that Dirk is never going to be fully separated from Dallas or the Mavericks, but he found the time to give his final thanks before moving on to the next step.

Here is what Dirk had to say:

“Dallas,

Twenty-one seasons.

One team. My home.

No stat, no record, no award in this game means more to me.

We won an NBA Championship together.

From the moment I arrived in Dallas riding on this amazing roller coaster, you lifted me, supported me, pushed me to work harder.

So many memories. So many stories. They are not only mine. They are ours.

This is THANK YOU Mavs fans, from the bottom of my heart, for taking in a kid from Wurzburg and making me one of your own.

I will miss playing, but I can’t wait to start the next chapter with you.

Forever and grateful, forever yours, and forever a Dallas Maverick.

— Dirk Nowitzki”

This is not the final step for Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas. We have been honored with his presence on the court for 21 years and we will be just as honored with his presence off the court in Dallas. Thank you for everything you mean to this city and to this team, Dirk.