Dwyane Wade

January 17, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Ex-professional basketball player Dwyane Wade was born on January 17, 1982. He started his love for basketball while in high school and went on to have one of the most successful basketball careers. Wade has had a very linear success path from high school to college and going pro. His motivation, drive, and hard work, birthed his achievements, and he was drafted in 2003 from college before he even graduated. He’s an exceptional athlete and an even better husband and father, which is why we are celebrating his special day!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr.

Nickname:

D-Wade, Flash

Birth date:

January 17, 1982

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Capricorn

Height:

6' 4"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$170 million

Background

Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. is a recognized name within and outside the court. Wade was born in Chicago, Illinois to JoLinda and Dwyane Wade Sr. His parents separated when he was just four months old. Wade lived with his mother for a while but she was struggling with drug addiction and was in and out of prison. When he turned eight, he went to live with his father and stepmother who then moved the family to Robbins, Illinois. He didn’t see his mother for two years after this. Wade used basketball as an escape, and his sister, Tragil, played a significant role in keeping him afloat.

As a high student, Wade played both basketball and football and he was initially more successful in football. However, he soon advanced his basketball skills and became the team leader. Wade started setting school records and was recruited by Marquette, Illinois State, and DePaul University. Wade committed to the former in Wisconsin; however, he was sidelined in his first year due to academic requirements which were not met. Wade soon improved with his academia and started playing again by his sophomore year. In 2001, he led the Marquette Golden Eagles to their best game since 1993. In the 2002/2003 season, following his success with capturing the Conference USA title, Wade was named to the All-America first team. He married his high school sweetheart, Siohvaughn Funches, in the same year, and the pair split in 2007.

Wade’s performance in the 2003 Midwest Regional final earned him recognition. He made the fourth ever triple-double in NCAA tournament history, and Wade was the M.V.P. of the Midwest Regional. His exceptional performance earned him a high projection in the NBA draft. He was Miami Heat’s fifth select in the 2003 NBA draft. From then on, Wade did what he did best; winning NBA championships, playing in 13 NBA All-Star games, and leading the pack in games, points, assists, steals, and shots. For 16 years, Wade has had an enviable professional career, and his achievements are widely shared with his family. He is now married to actress Gabrielle Union and has four kids.

Career timeline

2006

The 31 Missed Games

Due to an injury, Wade misses 31 games but still goes on to receive All-NBA honors..

2009

The 10,000 Career Point

In the third game against the Chicago Bulls Wade reaches 10,000 points.

2012

The Third Triple-Double

With 24 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds, Wade scores the All-Star Game history.

2016

He Joins The Chicago Bulls

In a two-year $47 million deal, Wade joins his hometown team.

2019

He Retires From Basketball

After 16 years as a professional basketball athlete, Wade retires.

2021

He Purchases a Utah Jazz Stake

Wade announces his purchase of a minority stake of ownership in the Utah Jazz NBA franchise.

Why We Love Dwyane Wade

He’s a philanthropist
Wade is known for his charities. He founded The Wade’s World Foundation in 2003 and often gives back to the community.
He’s an adept athlete
Wade’s prowess as an athlete is undeniable. He has a demonstrated record of success, awards, and titles.
He’s a great father
Wade is often seen playing with his kids. He’s fully supportive of his transgender daughter, Zaya.

5 Surprising Facts

He gives to charity
Wade has donated 10% of his salary to churches in his hometown.
He’s a New York Times Bestseller
In 2012, Wade released his book “A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball.”
He’s an olympian
Wade made the U.S. team that won bronze in Athens in 2004 and led the team in 2008 in Beijing.
He loves fast food
As an athlete, you’d expect Wade to eat healthily; however, he relishes the odd McDonalds.
He loves fashion
Wade appreciates fashion and hopes to have a clothing line.