Glitz, glamour, and plenty of success, Dwyane Wade has seen it all. Throughout his NBA career, Wade won hearts with his loyalty, his hard work, and his excellence. However, his journey to a three time NBA Champion wasn’t as easy as one would imagine. He had a pretty rough childhood and faced a lot of hardships in his life.

Recently, in a podcast with Lewis Howes, Wade talked about the traumatic experiences of his childhood.

Dwyane Wade was scared of the police as a child

Born in Chicago to Jolinda Wade and Dwyane Wade Sr., D-Wade had a difficult childhood. His parents divorced when Dwyane was very young and he had various different living arrangements with his family as a child.

In his childhood, Wade witnessed some terrible things. Jolinda got into trouble with the law when he was young and he had some unsettling encounters with the police. Having to see what went on around the house was a tough pill to swallow for a young child. So, Wade shared a part of his experience in his interview.

“I was that kid anytime I see the police, I would run and hide. Because I have watched them coming, handcuff, and take away… In the house,” he said. “That was a recurring thing in my life growing up. So I was afraid, always scared of the police.”

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Dwyane’s journey to the NBA

Wade grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and focused on his future as an athlete when he was young. He went on to play college basketball for Marquette University in Milwaukee. He made his NBA debut in 2003 and spent most of his career in Miami, eventually becoming one of Miami Heat‘s legends.

His life’s journey definitely makes for an amazing success story. And it is this story that holds an example for all youngsters out there who need to believe that hard work and dedication can get you anything in life.

READ MORE: Dwyane Wade on How Michael Jordan Shocked Him at His Draft Party: “He Is Sitting Out There on a Motorcycle With 50 Dudes”