Early Life and Education of Dwyane Wade: A Complete Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Dwyane Wade. A timeline of key moments.
Dwyane Wade is a retired American professional basketball player, considered one of the NBA's greatest shooting guards. He primarily played for the Miami Heat during his 16-year career, leading them to three NBA championships. Wade was a 13-time NBA All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team member, and three-time All-Defensive Team member. He holds Miami's all-time records in points, games played, assists, steals, shots made, and shots taken. He currently hosts the American adaptation of The Cube.
1978: Last All-American
In 1978, the last time a basketball player from Marquette to receive the distinction since 1978 until Dwyane Wade.
January 17, 1982: Dwyane Wade Born
On January 17, 1982, Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. was born. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history.
October 14, 2001: Mother Vows to Turn Life Around
On October 14, 2001, as Wade's basketball career blossomed, JoLinda vowed to turn her life around.
March 8, 2003: Marquette Wins Conference USA Title
On March 8, 2003, three days after his mother was released from prison, she saw Wade play basketball for the first time in five years as Marquette upset the Cincinnati Bearcats to capture the Conference USA title.
2003: Mother Overcomes Addiction
In 2003, Wade's mother Jolinda has not used drugs since.
January 2007: Mother Ordained as Baptist Minister
In January 2007, Dwyane Wade's mother, Jolinda, was ordained as a Baptist minister.
February 1, 2007: Heat Record
On February 1, 2007, The Heat struggled with injuries in general and were 20–25.
November 14, 2007: Return to the Season
On November 14, 2007, after missing games due to injuries, Wade began the 2007–08 season
May 2008: Purchased church building for mother's ministry
In May 2008, Dwyane Wade purchased a church building for his mother's ministry.
December 24, 2008: Purchased home for a South Florida family
On December 24, 2008, Dwyane Wade purchased a new home for a South Florida woman whose nephew accidentally burned down the family home.
September 2009: Donated to Robbins, Illinois Public Library
In September 2009, Dwyane Wade donated money from his foundation to keep the Robbins, Illinois public library from shutting down.
January 2010: Co-founded Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti
In January 2010, Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning co-founded "The Athletes Relief Fund for Haiti" to raise money to help the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
2010: Best Playoff Percentage Since 2010
In the playoffs in 2014, Wade averaged 19.1 points on 52 percent shooting, his best playoff percentage since 2010.
December 2013: Engaged to Gabrielle Union
In December 2013, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union became engaged.
2013: Wade Misses 28 Games
In the 2013–14 season, Wade missed 28 games from injuries and the team's decision to rest him during "back-to-back" games.
June 28, 2014: Players Opt Out of Contracts
On June 28, 2014, Wade, James, and Bosh all opted out of their contracts in order to cut costs, but intended to re-sign.
August 30, 2014: Married Gabrielle Union
On August 30, 2014, Dwyane Wade married actress Gabrielle Union in Miami.
November 7, 2018: Became a father for the fourth time
On November 7, 2018, Dwyane Wade became a father for the fourth time, when he and Gabrielle Union welcomed their daughter, who was born via surrogate.
2019: Guest judge on America's Got Talent
In 2019, Dwyane Wade appeared as a guest judge on season 14 of America's Got Talent alongside his wife, Gabrielle Union, and pressed the Golden Buzzer for dance group V.Unbeatable.
2020: Child came out as transgender girl
In 2020, Dwyane Wade's 12-year-old child came out as a transgender girl and changed her name to Zaya.
October 2021: Son drafted by Salt Lake City Stars
In October 2021, Dwyane Wade's oldest son, Zaire Wade, got drafted by the Salt Lake City Stars, the NBA G League affiliate of the Jazz.
2021: Hosted "The Cube" on TBS
In 2021, Dwyane Wade became the host of "The Cube", which aired on TBS.
April 2023: Moved family out of Florida due to anti-LGBTQ laws
During an April 2023 interview, Dwyane Wade said that he moved his family out of Florida partially due to the state's anti-LGBTQ laws.
December 2023: Underwent Nephrectomy
In December 2023, Dwyane Wade underwent a partial (40%) nephrectomy to remove a cyst-tumor from his right kidney.
