Dwyane Wade Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life

Dwyane Wade Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life
Dwyane Wade #3 in action for the Miami Heat in 2019.

Dwyane Wade is an American sports personality who played basketball in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In his 16 years of playing professional basketball in the NBA, Dwyane who no doubt displayed exceptional skills and incredible prowess, claimed several individual laurels as well as three NBA Championship. Still recognized for his remarkable exploits in the NBA, Dwyane remains a prominent figure in the basketball scene even after retirement. On the International scene, Dwyane who was a prominent member of the US Basketball contingent to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, dubbed ‘The Redeem Team’, led his side to win Gold for the first time in eight years. In this Dwyane Wade biography facts, childhood, net worth and personal life, we review the life, profile and career of one of the best players that have thrilled fans with his exceptional style of play.

Dwyane Wade Biography Facts, Age, Nicknames, Family, Wife, Children

  • Full Name: Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. 
  • Nicknames: D Wade, Flash, The Flash
  • Born: January 17, 1982
  • Age: 42 years
  • Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
  • Nationality: American
  • Height: 6 feet, 4 inches
  • Shoe Size: 15
  • Weight: 220 lb (100 kg)
  • Education: Harold L. Richards High School, Marquette University
  • Parents: Dwyane Wade Sr. (Father), Jolinda Wade (Mother)
  • Spouse: Gabrielle Union (married 2014)
  • Children: Zion Malachi Airamis Wade (son); Zaire Blessing Dwyane Wade (son); Xavier Zechariah Wade (son); Kaavia James Union Wade (daughter)
  • Siblings: Tragil Wade (sister); Kodhmus McDaniel (brother); Demetris McDaniel (brother); Darnell McDaniel (brother); Deanna Wade (sister)
  • Net Worth: $120 million
  • Occupation: Basketball Player
  • Teams Played: Miami Heat; Chicago Bulls; Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Playing Career: 2003–2019
  • Position Played: Shooting Guard
  • Zodiac Sign: Capricorn 

Dwyane Wade Childhood Story & Early Life

Dwyane Wade Childhood Photo
Dwyane Wade’s childhood photo. Wade successfully turned his childhood dream into reality. (Image credit: foxsports.com / Miami Heat)

Born on the 17th of January 1982, Dwyane Wade is one of two children born to Dwyane Wade Sr. and JoLinda Wade. His mother had two children from her previous relationship. In his birth certificate, Dwyane’s name was spelt ‘Dwyane’, an error which his parents liked and thus kept it.

When Dwyane was just four months old, his parents separated. Following his parents’ divorce, Dwyane and his elder sister Tragil were kept in the custody of their mother, JoLinda. Tragil, his elder sister, once told him that they were going to the movies, but left him at his father’s home. This occurred when Dwyane was just eight years old. He saw his mother occasionally but following his father’s relocation to Illinois, he didn’t see her for about two years.

Wade engaged in sports so as not to be involved in drugs and violence. His elder sister, Tragil, helped Dwyane progress in the right direction in life. Dwyane played football and basketball, but in high school, he chose to focus on the later. As a young boy fascinated by basketball, Dwyane adored basketball legend, Michael Jordan

Dwyane Wade High School Career

At Harold L. Richards High School, Dwyane played football as well as basketball. Dwyane who played as a wide receiver in football was successful but struggled in basketball. In his junior year of high school basketball, he was crowned team leader. In his senior year, Dwyane improved his performance and led his school to the Class AA Eisenhower Sectional. He averaged 12 rebounds and 27 points. Dwyane was not heavily recruited from high school as a result of academic problems.

Dwyane Wade College Career & Highlights

After High school, Dwyane attended Marquette University where he played for the basketball team. Due to the fact, that he didn’t meet the academic requirements for student-athletes as stipulated by the Proposition 48 of the NCAA regulation, he was not involved in the squad’s basketball exploits in his freshman year. In his second year, he built up his academic performance and played for the Marquette Golden Eagles. His average point of 17.8, was the highest in the team and his steals average of 2.47 was the highest in the Conference USA. He led the Marquette Golden Eagles to their best performance since the 1993/94 season.

In his junior year, he once again led his team in scoring average with 21.5 points. His mother who was just released from prison was present when he led the Golden Eagles to claim the Conference USA in March 2003. He became the first Marquette player since 1977 to be named to the Associated Press All-America First Team. He also led his side to the semifinals of the Midwest Regional final, with a memorable performance. He was thus named the tournament MVP. His performance attracted interest from the media and he thus became a top projected NBA Draft pick. He then decided to enlist in the 2003 NBA Draft, forgoing his senior year in college.

In February 2007, despite regulation which requires the jersey of student-athletes to be retired only if they graduate, the Marquette Golden Eagles exempted Dwyane from the rule and retired his jersey.

Dwyane Wade Professional/NBA Career, Teams, Achievements & Awards

Miami Heat (2003–2016)

In the 2003 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat selected Dwyane as it’s fifth overall pick, which made Dwyane, Marquette’s highest pick in the NBA Draft. In his first season in the NBA, he was in top form and thus had no issue being named to the NBA All-Rookie Team and emerged third in the 2004 NBA Rookie of the Year award. He also played in the first playoff of his career but the Miami Heat lost in the second round to the Indiana Pacers.

In the 2005 season, Shaquille O’Neal arrived at the Miami Heat and thus the franchise performance improved. Wade was also named as a reserve to the All-star game for the first time in his career. The Miami Heat progressed to the Eastern Conference finals. In game five of the finals, Wade suffered strained muscle and was out of action in game six. The Heats lost to the Detroit Pistons in the finals. 

In his third season in the NBA, he was named to his second All-star game as a starter. He went on to play in his third NBA playoffs. He endured pain from injury as his side went on to emerge Eastern Conference Champion, which set them for an NBA Championship showdown against the Dallas Mavericks. In the finals, Wade was in top form as the Miami Heat won the Finals, making it Wade’s first NBA Championship win. He won the NBA Finals MVP, which made him the fifth-youngest player to claim the laurel. Wade’s 2006/07 season was marred by injury. Despite missing 31 games, he was named to the All-star game. He was also named to the All-NBA team. In the playoffs, the Miami Heat were defeated in the first round by the Chicago Bulls. He had to undergo shoulder and knee surgeries afterwards. He was thus left out of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

In the 2007/08 season, Wade once again struggled with a knee injury. He was named to his fourth All-star game. The Miami Heat did not make it to the playoffs that season. Dwyane went on to rehabilitation and came back in top form. He helped the US claim Gold at the 2008 Olympics. In the 2008/09, he emerged as the second player in the history of the NBA, to secure a minimum of 40 points, 5 blocks and 10 assists in a game. He also was named to the All-star game for the fifth time. That season, Wade emerged as the fifth NBA player to secure 2000 points, 150 steals and 500 assists in a season. He also was the NBA scoring Champions that the season.

Photo of Miami Heat Dwyane Wade in 2009
Dwyane Wade #3 in action for the Miami Heat in 2009. (Image credit: Keith Allison / Wikimedia Commons)

In the third game of his 2009/10 campaign, he reached 10,000 career points. He was named to the All-star game and was named the All-star game MVP. He went on to play in the playoffs, but the Miami Heat lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round. In July 2010, he re-signed with the Miami Heat. LeBron James also joined the squad. The Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals but were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks. In the 2011/12 season, Wade was named to the All-star game and recorded a triple-double, the third time in the history the All-star game. The Miami Heat who came back in top form went on to win the NBA Championship, making it Wade’s second NBA Championship win.

Wade who had to undergo knee surgery ahead of the 2012/13 season, did not play in the 2012 Olympics. He came in top form in the 2012/13 season and led the Miami Heat to a second successive NBA Championship win, the third in his career. In the 2013/14 season, Wade battled injuries. He thus missed 28 games, but that didn’t stop the Heats from making it to the NBA Finals but were prevented from claiming what would have been a spectacular third consecutive NBA Championship by the San Antonio Spurs. In June 2014 after he opted out of his contract with the Heats, he re-signed with the franchise. He was named to the 2015 All-star game, but could not play due to hamstring injury. The injury prevented him from playing in the playoffs. In June 2015, he opted out of his contract again. He then agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat worth $20 million. He played in top form that season.

Chicago Bulls (2016–2017)

Photo of Chicago Bulls' Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade #3 with the Chicago Bulls in 2017. (Image credit: hypebeast.com)

Dwyane joined the Chicago Bulls on a two-year contract worth $47 million. He refused to sign with the Heats after they offered him a two-year deal worth $40 million. The Miami Heat and Wade parted on bad terms. He continued to play in top form for the Bulls. In September 2017, Wade and the Chicago Bulls agreed to a contract buyout.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2017–2018)

In September 2017, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers. He and LeBron James were not on good terms at Cleveland due to the coach’s plan to bench Wade. But following a loss to the Orlando Magic, he agreed to be benched. 

Return to Miami Heat (2018–2019)

Photo of Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade 2019
Dwyane Wade in action with the Miami Heat in 2019. (Image credit: Kathy Willens/Associated Press)

In February 2018, Wade was traded to the Miami Heat. His relationship with Heats was once again back intact. In April 2018, he became the ninth player in the NBA, to reach 20,000 points and 5000 assists with a team in the NBA. He also ranked 10th in the career postseason scoring chart. After he signed a contract extension with the Heats for the 2018/19 season, he declared his decision to retire after the season. In December 2018, he played in his 1,000th career game. In January 2019, Wade became the third NBA player to reach at least 20,000 points, 4,000 rebounds, 5,000 assists, 800 blocks, 1,500 steals and 500 three-pointers. He was also named to the 2019 All-star game, his 13th All-star appearance. In April 2019, on his final game in the NBA, he secured the fifth triple-double of his career. Wade’s jersey would be retired by the Miami Heat on February 22, 2020. 

Dwyane Wade National Team Career

Wade was a member of the US basketball team that had a disappointing outing at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He also played in the FIBA World Championship in 2006, where the team won Bronze. He was co-captain of the team along with Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. He also was a member of the ‘Redeem Team’ that played in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and won Gold. He led the US team in scoring.

Dwyane Wade Net Worth & Endorsements Deals

Dwyane Wade has an estimated total net worth of $120 million. He has a lifetime partnership deal with the Chinese athletics brand, Li-Ning. Wade also has a sock collection with Lids and a clothing line named DSquared2.

Dwyane Wade Personal Life & Trivia

In 2002, Wade got married to his high school girlfriend, Siohvaughn Funches. The couple had two children. In 2010, following a very bitter and tough legal battle, they legally divorced. Wade was granted custody of their children.

Photo of Dwyane Wade with Gabrielle Union
Dwyane Wade with his wife, Gabrielle Union at the 6th annual “A Night On The Runwade” — 16 March 2019. (Image credit: Bobby Metelus/Getty Images)

In 2009, Wade began dating actress, Gabrielle Union. Following a brief split in 2013, he had a child with his girlfriend, Aja Metoyer. In December 2013, he and Gabrielle Union became engaged and in August 2014, they tied the nuptial knots. In December 2018, they had their first child, a daughter, who was born via a surrogate due to Union’s history with miscarriages.

Wade also takes care and raises the son of his sister, Deanna.

Shaquille O’Neal nicknamed Dwyane Flash and D-Wade.

Wade has several philanthropic projects such as The Wade’s World Foundation which supports community organizations that provide educational and health skills to children at risk.

Dwyane who is a Christian wore the #3 jersey because he felt it symbolizes the Trinity. He regularly pays tithes. His mother who has long stop using drugs is now a Christian minister. She is the founder of Chicago based Temple of Praise Binding and Loosing Ministry.

Wade appeared in the 14th season of America Got Talent as a Guest Judge along with his wife, Gabrielle Union in 2019.

SEE MORE: Biography facts and profile of famous basketball/NBA stars.


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