Early Life and Education of Dwight Howard: A Complete Timeline

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 accolades, including an NBA championship, eight All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team selections, five All-Defensive Team selections, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Howard was known for his athleticism and defensive skills.

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 is an American former professional basketball player, later nicknamed "Superman", who would become an NBA champion, eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team honoree, five-time All-Defensive Team member, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Inspired by Kevin Garnett

In 1995, Kevin Garnett's decision to forego college and enter the NBA draft served as inspiration for Dwight Howard's decision to do the same in 2004.

2004: Establishment of the Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc.

In 2004, Dwight Howard, together with his parents, established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc. to support his philanthropic efforts.

2004: NBA 2K5 Appearance

Starting in 2004 with ESPN NBA 2K5, Dwight Howard appeared in the NBA 2K series of basketball simulation video games.

2005: NBA Live Debut

In 2005, Dwight Howard debuted in the NBA Live series with NBA Live 2005.

April 2, 2006: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Appearance

On April 2, 2006, Dwight Howard made a special guest appearance on an episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". He assisted Ty Pennington and his team in building a new home and ministry offices for Sadie Holmes in Orlando.

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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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2011: Vertical Leap Test

In 2011, Dwight Howard's running vertical leap was tested at 39.5 inches, demonstrating his exceptional athleticism for a player of his size.

2014: Epix Documentary: In the Moment

In 2014, Epix featured Dwight Howard as the focus of a documentary about his life titled "In the Moment".

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2018: Final NBA Live Appearance

In 2018, Dwight Howard made his final appearance in the NBA Live series, which was canceled following NBA Live 19.

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. David was with Howard at his home in Georgia at the time.

2021: Final NBA 2K Appearance

In 2021, Dwight Howard made his final appearance in the NBA 2K series, in NBA 2K22.

2022: Charitable Auction for Birthday

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

2023: Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

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

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September 4, 2024: Dancing with the Stars Debut

On September 4, 2024, Dwight Howard began competing on the thirty-third season of "Dancing with the Stars", paired with Daniella Karagach.

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2024: Somebody Feed Phil Appearance

In 2024, Dwight Howard appeared as a guest in the "Taipei" episode of the Netflix docu-series "Somebody Feed Phil". He discussed his charity work and cultural experiences in Taiwan with Philip Rosenthal.

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