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 is a former American professional basketball player, famously nicknamed "Superman." His distinguished career includes an NBA championship, eight All-Star selections, eight All-NBA Team honors, five All-Defensive Team selections, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. He's recognized for his athletic abilities 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 would later become a professional basketball player known as "Superman".

Others born on this day/year

1995: Inspired by Kevin Garnett

In 1995, Kevin Garnett's decision to go directly to the NBA inspired Dwight Howard's decision to do the same in 2004.

2004: Declared for NBA Draft

In 2004, Dwight Howard chose to forgo college and declared for the NBA draft, where the Orlando Magic selected him first overall. He took the number 12 for his jersey.

2004: Drafted by the Orlando Magic

In 2004, Dwight Howard chose to forgo college and entered the NBA draft, where he was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic.

2004: High School Successes

In 2004, Dwight Howard led his team to a 31-2 record and the state title, averaging 25 points, 18 rebounds, 8.1 blocks, and 3.5 assists per game as a senior. He received multiple awards, including the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, Morgan Wootten High School Player of the Year Award, Gatorade National Player of the Year, and McDonald's National High School Player of the Year honor.

2004: Established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc.

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

2004: Debut in NBA 2K Series

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

2005: Debut in NBA Live Series

In 2005, Dwight Howard appeared in every NBA Live entry starting with NBA Live 2005.

April 2, 2006: Appearance on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

On April 2, 2006, Dwight Howard made a special guest appearance on an episode of the ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where a new home and ministry offices were built for Sadie Holmes.

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2007: Posting Impressive Numbers

In the 2007-08 season, Dwight Howard continued posting impressive numbers and helped the Magic have their best season to date. He was named as a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star team.

2011: Appearance on The Suite Life on Deck

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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January 31, 2012: Honored as one of the Greatest McDonald's All-Americans

On January 31, 2012, Dwight Howard was honored as one of the 35 greatest McDonald's All-Americans.

April 19, 2012: Howard to Undergo Back Surgery

On April 19, 2012, Dwight Howard's agent announced that he would undergo surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back. As a result, he would miss the remainder of the 2011-12 season and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

2012: Traded to the Los Angeles Lakers

In 2012, after eight seasons with the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

2014: Featured in Documentary 'In the Moment'

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: Cancellation of NBA Live Series

In 2018, the NBA Live series was canceled following NBA Live 19.

2019: Engagement to Te'a Cooper

In 2019, Dwight Howard became engaged to WNBA basketball player Te'a Cooper.

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: Parted Ways with Te'a Cooper

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

2021: Final Appearance in NBA 2K Series

In 2021, Dwight Howard's last appearance in the NBA 2K series was in NBA 2K22.

2022: Charitable Auction on 37th Birthday

In 2022, on his 37th birthday, Dwight Howard raised over NT$3 million (US$97,969) with a charitable auction. Items sold included collectible jerseys and pairs of shoes worn by Howard.

2023: Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

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

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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.

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2024: Engagement to Amy Luciani

In 2024, Dwight Howard announced his engagement to rapper and reality star Amy Luciani.

2024: Appearance on 'Somebody Feed Phil'

In 2024, Dwight Howard appeared as a guest in the "Taipei" episode of the Netflix docu-series Somebody Feed Phil. During the episode he discussed his charity work and the cultural shock he experienced upon moving to Taiwan.

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