Early Life and Education of Dwight Howard: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 15, 2026

An overview of the childhood and early education of Dwight Howard, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Dwight Howard, nicknamed "Superman," is a former American professional basketball player. He achieved significant recognition in the NBA, including being an NBA champion, an eight-time All-Star, and eight-time All-NBA Team selection. Furthermore, he was a five-time All-Defensive Team member and secured the Defensive Player of the Year award three times, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the league.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 8, 1985: Dwight Howard's Birth

On December 8, 1985, Dwight David Howard II was born. He would later become a professional basketball player known as "Superman".

Others born on this day/year

1995: Inspired by Kevin Garnett's NBA Draft Decision

In 1995, Kevin Garnett's decision to forgo college and enter the NBA draft inspired Dwight Howard's decision to do the same in 2004.

2004: Established Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc.

In 2004, Dwight Howard established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc. with his parents.

2004: NBA 2K5 Appearance

Starting with 2004's ESPN NBA 2K5, Dwight Howard appeared in every entry of the NBA 2K series of basketball simulation video games up until 2021's NBA 2K22.

2005: NBA Live 2005 Appearance

Dwight Howard appeared in every NBA Live entry from 2004's NBA Live 2005 onwards until the series was canceled in 2018 following NBA Live 19.

April 2, 2006: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Appearance

On April 2, 2006, Dwight Howard appeared as a special guest on an episode of the ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

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2011: The Suite Life on Deck Appearance

In 2011, Dwight Howard played himself on an episode of The Suite Life on Deck alongside fellow NBA players Deron Williams and Kevin Love.

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2014: In the Moment Documentary

In 2014, Epix featured Dwight Howard as the focal point of a documentary about his life called In the Moment.

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2018: NBA Live 19 Appearance

Dwight Howard appeared in every NBA Live entry from 2004's NBA Live 2005 onwards until the series was canceled in 2018 following NBA Live 19.

2019: Engagement to Te'a Cooper

In 2019, Dwight Howard dated WNBA basketball player Te'a Cooper and the pair became engaged.

March 27, 2020: Death of Melissa Rios

On March 27, 2020, Melissa Rios, the mother of Dwight Howard's son David, died following an epileptic seizure.

2021: NBA 2K22 Appearance

Dwight Howard appeared in every entry of the NBA 2K series of basketball simulation video games up until 2021's NBA 2K22.

2021: Parted ways with Te'a Cooper

In 2021, Dwight Howard and Te'a Cooper parted ways.

2022: Charitable Auction

On his 37th birthday in 2022, Dwight Howard raised over NT$3 million (US$97,969) with a charitable auction benefiting CountryEDU Charity Foundation and the Good Shepherd Social Welfare foundation.

2023: Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

In 2023, Dwight Howard finished third on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

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August 2024: Never Voted in Election

In August 2024, Dwight Howard revealed on the Way up with Angela Yee show that he has never voted in a United States election, stating that he wanted to focus on his family first.

September 4, 2024: Dancing with the Stars

On September 4, 2024, Dwight Howard competed on the thirty-third season of Dancing with the Stars, paired with Daniella Karagach. They were eliminated on November 12.

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