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Social media reacts to Dirk Nowitzki’s retirement

Dirk’s influence reached far and wide, and many took the time to thank him for it.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Dirk Nowitzki announced his retirement and played his final basketball game after a record 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki established a legendary career piling up accolades of all degrees along the way.

While the Big German didn’t officially announce this season as his last, it was widely expected he would hang it up, and fans at every arena took the opportunity to send off one of the most influential players in league history with standing ovations and roars of applause each time Dirk took the floor.

As the league has processed Nowitzki’s announcement, players and organizations of all sectors have taken the time to celebrate Dirk’s historic career.

One of Dirk’s earliest running mates and best friend Steve Nash expressed a gamut of emotions reflecting on Dirk’s career:

Olympic gold medalist Nastia Lukin reminisced on meeting Dirk before she won the all-around gold medal in 2008:

Hall-of-Fame running back and Dallas Cowboy’s legend Emmitt Smith shared what Dirk meant to Dallas:

Speaking of the city of Dallas:

Other sports teams expressed their appreciation for Dirk, who’s influence has clearly spread further than just basketball:

Nike put together a few inspiring and creative pieces to commemorate Dirk:

Noted basketball fan and former president Barack Obama sent his congratulations:

Even Bill Clinton took to Twitter to appreciate Dirk!

Shaqtin’ a Fool took a light-hearted approach, but if anyone would appreciate this kind of delivery, it would definitely be Dirk:

Finally, players of all eras tweeted out their congratulations, respects and admiration to one of the game’s pioneers:

It’s clear Dirk was admired and respected to the highest degree and he deserves every bit of recognition he has received. And these posts only scratch the surface. Search “Dirk” on Twitter and find that many other players, businesses, teams, etc. admired Dirk and his contributions as a player and person.

So, like many have said, thank you, Dirk. Basketball is a better game because of you.