By ESPN staff | ESPN, 2025-04-10 07:50:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
卢卡·东契奇(Luka Doncic)在二月份那笔轰动交易后首次重返达拉斯，他从独行侠被交易到了洛杉矶湖人。
东契奇为独行侠效力了6个半赛季，带领球队打入2024年NBA总决赛，并五次入选NBA最佳阵容一阵。他在独行侠期间场均得到28.6分、8.6个篮板和8.2次助攻。
独行侠在美航中心（American Airlines Center）的每个座位上都放置了T恤，以表达对东契奇的爱意。
美航中心T恤上的文字：感谢你所做的一切 https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/1909989125345751189/photo/1
— Tim MacMahon (@ espn_macmahon) 2025年4月9日
在球员介绍环节，东契奇收到了一段致敬视频，并且是湖人首发球员中最后一位被介绍出场的。当东契奇在替补席上观看时，球迷们向他致以热烈的欢呼，他激动地擦拭着眼泪。
所有情感都为了卢卡重返达拉斯
在卢卡代表湖人上场之前，独行侠队用致敬视频向他致敬https://twitter.com/espn/status/1910117011150995624/video/1
— ESPN (@ espn) 2025年4月9日
卢卡在观看独行侠致敬视频后擦拭眼泪
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1910117208258232642/video/1
— ESPN (@ espn) 2025年4月9日
下面回顾一下其他体育项目中，球星们令人瞩目的温馨回归时刻。
NBA
达龙·福克斯(De’Aaron Fox)，2025
比赛数据： 16分，8助攻，4篮板
比赛结果： 萨克拉门托国王队以127-109获胜
福克斯在2017年被国王队选中，并在萨克拉门托度过了职业生涯的前七年半。在他效力期间，他的总得分在球队历史上排名第四，并保持着球队单场得分纪录。
这位后卫在金州一号中心（Golden 1 Center）受到了热烈欢迎，包括上半场播放的致敬视频，引起了全场起立鼓掌。
国王队球迷向达龙·福克斯表达爱意
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1898214618264228012/video/1
— NBA (@ NBA) 2025年3月8日
福克斯原话： “当你更换球队时，总有一天你会和（前）球队比赛。我认为这很好。我不会说我感到激动。但（致敬）很棒。我在这里待了很久，几乎十年。所以，我真的很感激。”
德玛尔·德罗赞(DeMar DeRozan)，2025
比赛数据： 21分，3助攻
比赛结果： 国王队以124-119获胜
德罗赞在一月份重返联合中心（United Center），面对他的老东家芝加哥公牛队。
德罗赞在芝加哥度过了三个赛季，场均得到25.5分、5.1次助攻和4.7个篮板，并连续入选全明星阵容。国王队在七月份通过先签后换的方式得到了这位后卫。
欢迎回到联合中心，德博
— Chicago Bulls (@ chicagobulls) 2025年1月12日
德罗赞原话： “我来到这里的第一刻，就试图为这个组织、为这座城市奉献我的一切，我认为这已经展现出来了，” 德罗赞在赛后说道，“我真心投入一切来代表公牛队。我认为当我来到这里时，我已经融入了芝加哥的文化和一切。所以当人们看到这一点时，你就会得到真诚的回应。”
卡尔-安东尼·唐斯(Karl-Anthony Towns)，2024
比赛数据： 32分，20篮板，6助攻
比赛结果： 纽约尼克斯队以133-107获胜
唐斯在十二月份重返明尼苏达，面对他的老东家明尼苏达森林狼队。
这位尼克斯中锋在九月份训练营开始前几天被森林狼队交易。他在2015年以状元身份被选中，在明尼苏达度过了九个赛季。唐斯在效力森林狼队期间四次入选全明星阵容，两次入选NBA最佳阵容。在比赛前几个小时，他在社交媒体上发布了一段感谢视频。
赛前，森林狼队球迷播放了一段温馨的致敬视频，并报以热烈的掌声。
KAT 回到明尼苏达啦！
他受到了球员和球迷们发自内心的欢迎
尼克斯-森林狼直播 TNT https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1869936643748053002/video/1
— NBA (@ NBA) 2024年12月20日
这位帖子最多、身高七英尺的肯塔基野猫队球员，32号…
欢迎回来，KAThttps://twitter.com/Timberwolves/status/1869934779648373167/video/1
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@ Timberwolves) 2024年12月20日
唐斯原话： “很多回忆，很多瞬间。我很荣幸能和这么多出色的球员和篮球运动员一起打球，并且能够看到他们经历自己的旅程和生活，能够在他们的职业生涯中拥有一段时光，我感到很荣幸。我把明尼苏达当成家，一个张开双臂欢迎我的地方，也给了我和我的家人，特别是我的母亲，一些人生中最美好的回忆。”
克莱·汤普森(Klay Thompson)，2024
比赛数据： 22分，4篮板，3助攻
比赛结果： 达拉斯独行侠队以120-117失利
汤普森在十一月份重返湾区，在蔡斯中心（Chase Arena）面对他的前东家金州勇士队。
那晚被称为“致敬克莱船长”之夜，勇士队整晚都用爱意包围着汤普森，最引人注目的是一段在达拉斯首发五虎名单公布前播放的致敬视频，球迷们也纷纷脱帽致敬。
来自：#勇士国度
致：克莱·汤普森
谢谢你 https://twitter.com/warriors/status/1856536021086941204/video/1— Golden State Warriors (@ warriors) 2024年11月13日
汤普森原话： “我非常感谢球迷们。船长帽最终成为了一个很棒的点睛之笔，因为我是一个充满热情的船员。在人群中看到了很多熟悉的面孔，这是一种温暖的感觉。看到球迷们对我的感激之情真的太酷了——这我永远不会认为理所当然。所以这真的非常非常棒。”
达米安·利拉德(Damian Lillard)，2024
比赛数据： 25分，7助攻，6篮板，1抢断
比赛结果： 密尔沃基雄鹿队以119-116失利
在为开拓者队效力了11个赛季后，利拉德在2024年1月以密尔沃基雄鹿队球员的身份在波特兰打了他的第一场比赛。
当在摩达中心（Moda Center）公布首发阵容时，球迷们起立鼓掌。主队还在第一个暂停后播放了一段致敬利拉德的视频，再次引来了球迷们的掌声。
欢迎回来，D.O.L.L.A. https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/1752895536611660189/video/1
— Portland Trail Blazers (@ trailblazers) 2024年2月1日
利拉德原话： “这些充满意义和情感的比赛——总是很有趣。这些比赛更有活力。今晚就是这样。这是一场精彩的比赛。”
拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克(Russell Westbrook)，2020
比赛数据： 34分，5助攻，2篮板
比赛结果： 休斯顿火箭队以113-94失利
威斯布鲁克在他的第一场俄克拉荷马城比赛中看起来很自在。他在输给雷霆队的比赛中得到了全场最高的34分。
雷霆队球迷播放了一段致敬威斯布鲁克的视频，并在他被介绍时高呼“MVP”。他承认站在对立面很不一样，但感谢球迷们的欢迎。
威斯布鲁克原话： “有些事情是无法用语言表达的。我在这里待了很久，有很多美好的回忆，很多很棒的人。绝对是世界上最好的球迷，因为他们总是支持你，今晚他们也做到了。”
勒布朗·詹姆斯(LeBron James)，2018
比赛数据： 32分，14篮板，7助攻，1盖帽
比赛结果： 洛杉矶湖人队以109-105获胜
在效力迈阿密热火队时，詹姆斯在八年后首次重返克利夫兰，当时场面十分喧闹。而当他以湖人队球员的身份首次面对克利夫兰骑士队时，经历却截然不同。
当在球员介绍环节最后一位念到他的名字时，人群发出了欢呼声，一段致敬视频让詹姆斯动容。他感谢了球馆的每一侧。
詹姆斯原话： “我感谢这些球迷，就像他们感谢我一样。…所以这是我对他们的致敬，感谢他们欣赏我和我的队友以及教练们在那四年里所取得的成就。”
迈克尔·乔丹(Michael Jordan)，2002
比赛数据： 16分，12篮板，4助攻，2抢断，2盖帽
比赛结果： 华盛顿奇才队以77-69获胜
在第二次从芝加哥公牛队退役三年后，乔丹在2001年重返NBA，与奇才队签约。他回到芝加哥的第一场比赛包括一段感人的致敬。
乔丹在比赛中21投7中，命中率不佳，并在奇才队的胜利中出现了9次失误。他承认在以前的主场球迷面前比赛很有挑战性。
乔丹原话： “对阵芝加哥的比赛对我来说很艰难。这就像和一个亲戚比赛一样，在某种意义上。没有那么激烈，你也没有那么积极。”
NFL
汤姆·布雷迪(Tom Brady)，2021
比赛数据： 43投22中，传球269码，0达阵，0拦截
比赛结果： 坦帕湾海盗队以19-17获胜
布雷迪首次对阵新英格兰爱国者队，在比赛开始前受到了球迷们的欢呼，但在比赛中却遭到了嘘声。他带领海盗队艰难获胜，并在比赛还剩1分57秒时推进到48码处，射入一记任意球，从而取得领先。
布雷迪在赛后回顾了这个激动人心的夜晚。
布雷迪原话： “我无法预测会发生什么。想到那些在我生命中如此重要的人，我感到有些激动。我的足球之旅带我去了别的地方。”
佩顿·曼宁(Peyton Manning)，2013
比赛数据： 49投29中，传球386码，3达阵，1拦截
比赛结果： 丹佛野马队以39-33失利
在NFL历史上最受期待的回归之一中，曼宁在2013赛季第7周在卢卡斯石油体育场（Lucas Oil Stadium）面对印第安纳波利斯小马队。
小马队为曼宁播放了一段90秒的致敬视频，曼宁对此的回应是摘下头盔，向人群挥手致意，场面十分感人。安德鲁·拉克（Andrew Luck）带领小马队获胜，让野马队遭遇了本赛季的首场失利——也破坏了曼宁的回归。
曼宁原话： “希望我们有机会再次和这些家伙比赛，因为那意味着我们进入了季后赛。我认为如果还有下一次，可能会容易一些，因为这是一个充满情感的一周，可能会让人感到有些疲惫。”
埃米特·史密斯(Emmitt Smith)，2003
比赛数据： 6次冲球，-1码
比赛结果： 亚利桑那红雀队以24-7失利
这位前达拉斯牛仔队球星以红雀队球员的身份重返达拉斯，但场面却波澜不惊。他6次冲球，负1码，并在第二节因伤离场。这是他职业生涯中唯一一场冲球码数为负数的比赛。
史密斯一踏上球场就受到了球迷们的欢呼。
史密斯原话： “我第一次乘坐巴士进入德克萨斯体育场。乘坐的是客队巴士。下车后，走进客队更衣室，看到了我的红雀队队服。我环顾四周。我感到格格不入。…我大声说道：‘我不应该在这里。这不是我的房间。’在比赛开始前，我崩溃大哭了45分钟。”
MLB
大谷翔平(Shohei Ohtani)，2024
比赛数据： 4投1中，2得分，1打点
比赛结果： 洛杉矶道奇队以6-2获胜
这位道奇队球星在天使队效力了六个赛季，赢得了两次MVP奖和两次银棒奖。他在2023年与道奇队签约。
大谷翔平在比赛的第一次击球前受到了全场起立鼓掌的欢迎。天使队也在X上发布了一段致敬视频。他的回归恰好是他为天使队效力的最后一场比赛的一年后。
大谷翔平在为天使队效力的最后一场比赛后整整一年，重返天使体育场
— MLB (@ MLB) 2024年9月4日
大谷翔平原话： “这一切中最重要的部分是能够在安纳海姆球迷面前的这座体育场里比赛。那对我来说是很特别的一部分。…最重要的是赢得比赛，我很高兴我们赢了。”
穆奇·贝茨(Mookie Betts)，2023
比赛数据： 4投1中，2得分，1保送
比赛结果： 洛杉矶道奇队以7-4获胜
在被交易到道奇队后，贝茨首次面对波士顿红袜队的比赛中，他在第一次击球前受到了全场起立鼓掌的欢迎。
他在赛后表达了他的感激之情。
贝茨原话： “我不太记得当时的感觉了。我知道我有点颤抖。但我只是心存感激。感谢我得到了掌声。…感谢我们赢了。”
弗雷迪·弗里曼(Freddie Freeman)，2022
比赛数据： 3投1中，2得分，2保送
比赛结果： 道奇队以4-1获胜
或许没有比弗里曼在客场首次面对亚特兰大勇士队时更激动人心的回归了。他在勇士队效力了12年，在2020年赢得了MVP奖，并在他在球队的最后一个赛季赢得了世界大赛冠军。
弗里曼在第一局和第五局都被保送上垒，并且两次都得分。他受到了两次全场起立鼓掌的欢迎——一次是在比赛开始前，一次是在他第一次击球前——还收到了他的2021年世界大赛戒指。他在赛前的新闻发布会上也流下了眼泪，但在赛后却心情很好。
弗里曼原话： “我精疲力尽，精神上精疲力尽，但对于我的家人来说，这是一个多么美好的夜晚。”
诺马·加西亚帕拉(Nomar Garciaparra)，2009
比赛数据： 4投2中，1打点
比赛结果： 奥克兰运动家队以6-0获胜
在红袜队于2004年交易加西亚帕拉后的五年，他激动地回到了芬威球场（Fenway Park），同年他们赢得了世界大赛冠军。
加西亚帕拉在波士顿度过了8年半的时间，他在第一次击球前受到了全场起立鼓掌的欢迎。他摘下头盔，轻拍胸口作为回应。
加西亚帕拉原话： “你不知道事情会如何发展。没有剧本可以参考。我认为你看到的只是纯粹的情感，来自球迷，来自我自己。”
NHL
帕特里克·凯恩(Patrick Kane)，2023
比赛数据： 2分（1个进球和助攻）
比赛结果： 底特律红翼队以3-2获胜
凯恩在他的第一场芝加哥比赛中迎来了一次令人难忘的回归，这是他加入红翼队后的首次。
凯恩曾随芝加哥黑鹰队三次获得斯坦利杯。他在球队历史上得分（1225分）和助攻（779次）排名第二，出场次数（1161次）和进球数（446个）排名第三。
这位红翼队的球星打进了制胜的加时赛进球，击败了他在NHL效力了16个赛季的球队。
这位右翼球员在克里斯·切利奥斯（Chris Chelios）的球衣退役仪式上以及第一节的一段致敬视频中都受到了全场起立鼓掌的欢迎。
联合中心爆发欢呼声： https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/1761874015088459941/video/1
— Chicago Blackhawks (@ NHLBlackhawks) 2024年2月25日
演出时间的三个圈
— Chicago Blackhawks (@ NHLBlackhawks) 2024年2月25日
凯恩原话： “现在有很多情绪，打进那个球，回到这里，加入了一支不同的球队。只是想在最后向球迷们表明，他们永远会在我心中。”
马修·特卡丘克(Matthew Tkachuk)，2022
比赛数据： 0分，2分钟犯规时间，21:50上场时间
比赛结果： 佛罗里达美洲豹队以6-2失利
在为卡尔加里火焰队效力六个赛季后，特卡丘克决定在2022年夏天不与他们续约，并被交易到美洲豹队。
特卡丘克在效力火焰队期间深受球迷喜爱（也因为他让俱乐部通过交易得到了回报），当他穿着不同的球衣首次回到鞍形巨蛋（Saddledome）时，他成为了一段致敬视频和全场起立鼓掌的对象，尽管他也确实忍受了一些嘘声。
特卡丘克原话： “这里的球迷充满激情。看到那段视频显然很好。展示了我在这里场上和场下的时光的几个片段，很高兴看到。”
马克-安德烈·弗勒里(Marc-Andre Fleury)，2018
比赛数据： 38次射门33次扑救
比赛结果： 拉斯维加斯金骑士队以5-4失利
金骑士队的扩张选秀让他们能够建立一支球队的基础，这支球队在第一个赛季就进入了斯坦利杯决赛（并且在2023年赢得了斯坦利杯）。关键组成部分之一——也是球队早期的代表人物——是守门员弗勒里。
但在他成为金骑士队球员之前，这位未来的冰球名人堂成员已经在匹兹堡企鹅队度过了13个赛季，写下了传奇的职业生涯。他的第一场重返匹兹堡的比赛引发了激动，但最终是主队赢得了那场比赛。
弗勒里原话： “我不知道会发生什么。在热身时，我起了鸡皮疙瘩。这是一个我不会忘记的夜晚。”
杰罗姆·伊金拉(Jarome Iginla)，2013
比赛数据： 0分，4次射门，21:36上场时间
比赛结果： 波士顿棕熊队以2-1获胜
也许没有哪个球员比伊金拉更能代表20世纪末到21世纪初的卡尔加里火焰队冰球了。这位冰球名人堂成员为该球队效力了16个赛季，之后又为企鹅队、棕熊队、科罗拉多雪崩队和洛杉矶国王队效力，结束了他的职业生涯。
2013年12月10日，伊基作为棕熊队的成员回归，并受到了一场盛大的赛前庆祝活动的致敬。
客队棕熊队获胜，伊金拉被评为第三明星，这再次引起了卡尔加里球迷的热烈掌声。
伊金拉原话： “这绝对是令人激动的。这是一种很酷的感觉。开始时响起的掌声感觉很特别，然后你站在那里会觉得有点奇怪。”
WNBA
布里安娜·斯图尔特(Breanna Stewart)，2023
比赛数据： 25分，11篮板，1助攻，2抢断，2盖帽
比赛结果： 纽约自由队以86-78获胜
斯图尔特在西雅图风暴队效力了六个赛季，赢得了两次WNBA总冠军，之后她在2023年离开了球队加盟自由队。她强势回归西雅图，带领纽约队获胜。
球迷们在整场比赛中都表达了他们的感谢之情。斯图尔特承认“充满情感的一天”对她的比赛产生了影响。
斯图尔特原话： “我试图克服它，但在上半场我告诉（教练）桑迪（布伦德洛），我只是在漂浮。我不认为我真的做了什么，只是——不知道我在做什么。”
坎迪斯·帕克(Candace Parker)，2022
比赛数据： 10分，14篮板，10助攻，2盖帽，1抢断
比赛结果： 芝加哥天空队以82-59获胜
在为洛杉矶火花队效力了整个13年的WNBA职业生涯后，帕克回到了家乡，与天空队签约。
她在洛杉矶对阵火花队的第一场比赛中创造了历史，获得了WNBA历史上第三次职业生涯三双。她在介绍环节中受到了热烈的欢呼。
帕克原话： “这是家。这是我的家人居住的地方。这是我喜欢回来的地方。回到这里绝对是苦乐参半的，因为这是我们过去的一部分。”
点击查看原文：Luka Doncic receives warm welcome back to Dallas
Luka Doncic receives warm welcome back to Dallas
Luka Doncic returned to Dallas for the first time since the blockbuster February trade that sent him from the Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Doncic spent 6½ seasons with the Mavericks, leading the franchise to the 2024 NBA Finals and earning five All-NBA first-team selections. He averaged 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Mavericks.
The Mavericks placed T-shirts on every seat at American Airlines Center to show love for Doncic.
Translation on T-shirts at American Airlines Center: Thank you for everything https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/1909989125345751189/photo/1
— Tim MacMahon (@ espn_macmahon) April 9, 2025
Doncic received a video tribute during player introductions and was introduced last among Lakers starters. Fans gave him a resounding ovation as Doncic watched on the bench and was emotional, wiping away tears.
ALL THE FEELS FOR LUKA’S RETURN TO DALLAS
The Mavs honored Luka with a tribute video before he took the court with the Lakers— ESPN (@ espn) April 9, 2025
Luka wiping tears after watching Mavs tribute video
— ESPN (@ espn) April 9, 2025
Here’s a look at other notable happy returns for stars across multiple sports.
NBA
De’Aaron Fox, 2025
Game stats: 16 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds
Game results: Sacramento Kings win 127-109
Fox was drafted by the Kings in 2017 and spent the first seven and a half years of his career in Sacramento. He finished his tenure fourth on the franchise points leaderboard and holds the franchise record for points scored in a single game.
The guard received a warm welcome at the Golden 1 Center, including a first-half tribute video that resulted in a standing ovation.
Kings crowd showing love to De’Aaron Fox
— NBA (@ NBA) March 8, 2025
In his own words: When you change teams, at some point you’re going to play the [former] team. I think it was good. I wouldn’t really say I got emotional. But [the tribute] was great. I was here for so long, almost a decade. So, I really do appreciate it."
DeMar DeRozan, 2025
Game stats: 21 points, 3 assists
Game results: Kings win 124-119
DeRozan made a January return to the United Center to face his old team, the Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan spent three seasons with Chicago, averaging 25.5 points, 5.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds while earning consecutive All-Star honors. The Kings acquired the guard in July in a sign-and-trade deal.
Welcome back to the United Center, Deebo
— Chicago Bulls (@ chicagobulls) January 12, 2025
In his own words: “The first moment I came here I tried to give my all to this organization, to the city and I think it showed,” DeRozan said after the game. “Genuinely putting everything into representing the Bulls. When I came here, I just think it showed I invited the culture of Chicago, everything. So it showed, I think when people see that, you get the genuine reaction in return.”
Karl-Anthony Towns, 2024
Game stats: 32 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists
Game results: New York Knicks win 133-107
Towns made his return to Minnesota to face his old team, the Timberwolves, in December.
The Knicks center was dealt by the Timberwolves days before training camp in September. Drafted No. 1 in 2015, he spent nine seasons with Minnesota. Towns earned four All-Star Game appearances and two All-NBA honors during his tenure with the Timberwolves. He posted a thank you video on social media hours before the game.
Before the contest, the Timberwolves crowd returned the favor with a rousing ovation during a heartfelt video tribute.
KAT is BACK in Minnesota!
He got a heartfelt reception from players and fans
— NBA (@ NBA) December 20, 2024
the post with the most, the seven foot, Kentucky Wildcat, number 32…
welcome back, KAT— Minnesota Timberwolves (@ Timberwolves) December 20, 2024
In his own words: “Just a lot of memories, moments. I’ve been honored to play with so many amazing guys and basketball players, and to be able to see them go through their own journeys and their lives and just to have a moment in their lives professionally, it’s an honor. I called Minnesota home, a place that welcomed me with open arms and gave me, my family, especially my mother, some of the best memories of my life.”
Klay Thompson, 2024
Game stats: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Game results: Dallas Mavericks lose 120-117
Thompson returned to the Bay Area in November to face his former team, the Golden State Warriors, at Chase Arena.
Dubbed “Salute Captain Klay” night, the Warriors showered Thompson with love throughout the evening, highlighted by a video tribute that aired before his name was announced in the Dallas starting five and fans tipped their caps in respect.
From: #DubNation
To: Klay Thompson
THANK YOU https://twitter.com/warriors/status/1856536021086941204/video/1— Golden State Warriors (@ warriors) November 13, 2024
In his words: “I appreciate the fans very much. The captain’s hat ended up being a great touch because I’m such a passionate boater. Saw a lot of familiar faces in the crowd, and that was a warmhearted feeling. It was really cool to see the fans, their gratitude towards myself – and something I’ll never take for granted. So it was very, very awesome.”
Damian Lillard, 2024
Game stats: 25 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal
Game result: Milwaukee Bucks lose 119-116
After spending the first 11 years of his career with the Trail Blazers, Lillard played his first game in Portland as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks in January 2024.
Fans gave him a standing ovation when his name was announced in the starting lineups at the Moda Center. The home team also played a video tribute after the first timeout, leading to another ovation for Lillard.
Welcome back, D.O.L.L.A. https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/1752895536611660189/video/1
— Portland Trail Blazers (@ trailblazers) February 1, 2024
In his words: “These types of games where there’s a lot of meaning and a lot of emotion – these are always fun. These games have a little bit more juice in them. That’s what tonight was. It was an entertaining game.”
Russell Westbrook, 2020
Game stats: 34 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds
Game result: Houston Rockets lose 113-94
Westbrook looked at home in his first game back in Oklahoma City. He had a game-high 34 points in a loss to the Thunder.
The Thunder crowd welcomed Westbrook with a tribute video and chanted “MVP” after he was announced. He acknowledged how different it was to be on the opposing side but thanked the fans for their reception.
In his words: “Some things you can’t put into words. I’ve been here for so long and so many great memories, great people. The absolute best fans in the world because they come with it, and tonight they came with it.”
LeBron James, 2018
Game stats: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block
Game result: Los Angeles Lakers win 109-105
Eight years after a raucous return to Cleveland while playing for the Miami Heat, James had a completely different experience when he faced the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time as a member of the Lakers.
The crowd roared when his name was called last during player introductions, and a tribute video left James emotional. He thanked each side of the arena.
In his words: “I appreciate these fans, just as much as they appreciate me. … So that was just my salute to them for them appreciating what I was able to accomplish with my teammates and coaches along those four years.”
Michael Jordan, 2002
Game stats: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
Game result: Washington Wizards win 77-69
Three seasons after his second retirement from the Chicago Bulls, Jordan made his return to the NBA in 2001, signing with the Wizards. His first game back in Chicago included an emotional tribute.
Jordan struggled from the field on 7-of-21 shooting and had nine turnovers in the Wizards win. He acknowledged the challenges of playing in front of his former home crowd.
In his words: “I had a tough time playing against Chicago. It’s like playing a relative, in a sense. It’s not as intense, you’re not quite as motivated.”
NFL
Tom Brady, 2021
Game stats: 22-of-43 passing, 269 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Game result: Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 19-17
Playing against the New England Patriots for the first time, Brady was welcomed back with cheers before fans booed him during the game. He led the Buccaneers to a tight victory, driving them downfield for a 48-yard field goal with 1:57 left to take the lead.
Brady reflected on the emotional night postgame.
In his words: “It’s not that I would predict what would happen. There were a few emotional moments thinking about the people that meant so much in my life. My football journey took me somewhere else.”
Peyton Manning, 2013
Game stats: 29-of-49 passing, 386 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
Game result: Denver Broncos lose 39-33
In one of the most anticipated returns in NFL history, Manning faced the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 7 of the 2013 season.
The Colts played a 90-second tribute video for Manning, who responded by taking off his helmet and waving to the crowd in an emotional moment. Andrew Luck led the Colts to a win, giving the Broncos their first loss of the season – and spoiling Manning’s return.
In his words: “Hopefully we’ll have a chance to play these guys again because that would mean we made the playoffs. I think if there is a next time it may be a little bit easier just because it was somewhat of an emotional week and it can be a little bit draining.”
Emmitt Smith, 2003
Game stats: 6 carries, -1 yards
Game result: Arizona Cardinals lose 24-7
The former Dallas Cowboys star returned to Dallas in an uneventful way as a member of the Cardinals. He had six carries for minus-1 yards and left the game with an injury in the second quarter. At the time, it was the only game of his career that he finished with negative rushing yards.
Fans cheered for Smith the second he stepped on the field.
In his words: “First time I went into Texas Stadium in a bus. On a visiting bus. Got off the bus, walked into the visitors locker room, saw my Cardinals uniform. And I looked around. I felt out of place. … I said this out loud: ‘I’m not supposed to be here. This is not my room.’ I broke down in tears and cried for 45 minutes before we played that game.”
MLB
Shohei Ohtani, 2024
Game stats: 1-for-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI
Game results: Los Angeles Dodgers win 6-2
The Dodgers star spent six seasons with the Angels, winning two MVP awards and two Silver Sluggers. He signed with the Dodgers in 2023.
Ohtani received a standing ovation before his first at-bat of the game. The Angels also posted a tribute video on X. His return came exactly one year since the final game he played for the Angels.
Shohei Ohtani returns to Angel Stadium exactly one year after his final game played with the Angels
— MLB (@ MLB) September 4, 2024
In his own words: “The biggest part of all this is being able to play at this stadium in front of the Anaheim fans. That was the part that was special for me. … Most importantly, it’s about winning the game, and I’m glad we won.”
Mookie Betts, 2023
Game stats: 1-for-4, 2 runs, 1 walk
Game result: Los Angeles Dodgers win 7-4
In his first game back to face the Boston Red Sox since being traded to the Dodgers, Betts received a standing ovation before his first at-bat.
He offered his appreciation after the game.
In his words: “I don’t really remember what I was feeling. I know I was kind of shaking a little bit. But I’m just thankful. Thankful I got the ovation. … Thankful we won.”
Freddie Freeman, 2022
Game stats: 1-for-3, 2 runs, 2 walks
Game result: Dodgers win 4-1
There may not have been a more emotional return than when Freeman faced the Atlanta Braves for the first time on the road. He spent 12 years with the Braves, winning an MVP in 2020 and a World Series in his final season with the team.
Freeman walked in the first and fifth innings, scoring both times. He received two standing ovations – one before the game and his first at-bat – plus his 2021 World Series ring. He also teared up during a pregame news conference but had positive thoughts after the game.
In his words: “I’m exhausted, emotionally exhausted, but what a wonderful evening for my family.”
Nomar Garciaparra, 2009
Game stats: 2-for-4, 1 RBI
Game result: Oakland Athletics win 6-0
An emotional return to Fenway Park came five years after the Red Sox traded Garciaparra in 2004, the same year they went on to win the World Series.
Garciaparra, who spent 8½ seasons in Boston, was welcomed with a standing ovation before his first at-bat. He tipped his helmet and tapped his chest in response.
In his words: “You don’t know how things are going to play out. There’s no script for that one. I think what you saw out there was just pure emotion, from the fans, from myself.”
NHL
Patrick Kane, 2023
Game stats: 2 points (1 goal and assist)
Game result: Detroit Red Wings win 3-2
Kane had a memorable return to the United Center in his first game in Chicago since joining the Red Wings.
Kane won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. He is second in franchise history in points (1,225) and assists (779) and third in games played (1,161) and goals (446).
The Red Wings star scored the winning overtime goal, beating the franchise where he spent his first 16 seasons in the NHL.
The right winger received a standing ovation during the jersey retirement of Chris Chelios as well as a video tribute in the first period.
And the United Center roars: https://twitter.com/NHLBlackhawks/status/1761874015088459941/video/1
— Chicago Blackhawks (@ NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
Three laps for Showtime
— Chicago Blackhawks (@ NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
In his words: “Just a lot of emotions right now, scoring that goal, being back here, being on a different team. Just tried to show the fans there at the end they’ll always have my heart here.”
Matthew Tkachuk, 2022
Game stats: 0 points, 2 penalty minutes, 21:50 ice time
Game result: Florida Panthers lose 6-2
After playing six seasons with the Calgary Flames, Tkachuk decided that he wouldn’t be signing a contract extension with them during the summer of 2022 and was traded to the Panthers.
A fan favorite during his time with the Flames (and for the way he let the club get something in return for him via trade), Tkachuk was the subject of a tribute video and standing ovation when he made his first trip back to the Saddledome wearing a different sweater, though he did endure some boos too.
In his words: “Just passionate fans here. It’s obviously nice to see that video. A couple seconds of showing what my time was like here on and off the ice, it was nice to see.”
Marc-Andre Fleury, 2018
Game stats: 33 saves on 38 shots
Game result: Vegas Golden Knights lose 5-4
The expansion draft for the Golden Knights allowed them to build the foundation for a team that made the Stanley Cup Final in its first season (and would win the Cup in 2023). One of the key components – and the early face of the franchise – was goaltender Fleury.
But before he was a Golden Knight, the future Hockey Hall of Famer had already authored a legendary career in 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His first game back in Pittsburgh generated emotions, but it was the home team who won that night.
In his words: “I didn’t know what to expect. In the warmup, I had goose bumps. It’s a night I won’t forget.”
Jarome Iginla, 2013
Game stats: 0 points, 4 shots on goal, 21:36 ice time
Game result: Boston Bruins win 2-1
Perhaps no player is more synonymous with Calgary Flames hockey as the 20th century flipped to the 21st than Iginla. The Hockey Hall of Famer played 16 seasons for the franchise, prior to skating for the Penguins, Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings to close out his career.
On Dec. 10, 2013, Iggy returned as a member of the Bruins and was honored with an extensive pregame celebration.
The visiting Bruins won, and Iginla was named the third star, resulting in another standing ovation from the Calgary faithful.
In his own words: “It was definitely emotional. It was a cool feeling. It felt special, the ovation there at the start, and then you kind of feel funny standing out there.”
WNBA
Breanna Stewart, 2023
Game stats: 25 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks
Game result: New York Liberty win 86-78
Stewart won two WNBA titles in six seasons with the Seattle Storm before she left the franchise for the Liberty in 2023. She had a strong return to Seattle, leading New York to the win.
Fans shared their appreciation throughout the game. Stewart acknowledged that the “emotional roller coaster of a day” had an impact on her play.
In her words: “I was trying to play through it, but I was telling [coach] Sandy [Brondello] in the first half, I was just floating. I don’t think I was really doing anything except just like – not sure what I was doing.”
Candace Parker, 2022
Game stats: 10 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Game result: Chicago Sky win 82-59
After spending her entire 13-year WNBA career with the Los Angeles Sparks, Parker went home, signing with the Sky.
She made history in her first game against the Sparks in Los Angeles, recording a WNBA record third career triple-double. She received a loud cheer during the introductions.
In her words: “This is home. This is where my family lives. This is where I love coming back to. It’s definitely bittersweet to be back because it is a part of our past.”
By ESPN staff | ESPN, via ESPN