Dwyane Wade’s Father Breaks Silence on Son’s Heartfelt Message During HoF Tribute

What Dwyane Wade’s Hall of Fame induction speech reflected the most was the love he holds for his family. Notably, the former Miami Heat star became the first Marquette University player to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2023. More recently, his father — Dwyane Wade Sr. — recalled his son’s speech from the big night.

Appearing on ‘The Why with Dwyane Wade’ podcast, Wade Sr. recollected how his son’s speech for him impacted not just him but the other fathers as well. “I felt like that speech opened the door for all the fathers of America. Like, we all heard that speech and we all cried to that speech,” he said.

As lucky as he feels for it was him who D-Wade opened up to, Wade Sr. feels the speech paved the way for all dads across the globe who’ve been through so much in life. Meanwhile, the 3x NBA champ, sharing his memory of the speech, also stated, “I watched it after that night, once we got back from the party and everything, I cried like a baby. I cried for like three, 4 hours after I got home.” 

As for the HOF speech, D-Wade had mentioned he shared a common dream with his father. “To know we hustled all the way to the Basketball Hall of Fame is God’s will. So Pops, I know your knees are a little sore, but will you join me on stage as we take our rightful step into basketball heaven?” he said in the speech. Wade Jr. then dedicated his award to his father and expressed his love for him, while thanking him for everything. “We in the hall of Fame, dog,” the father and son duo hugged each other after D-Wade’s reaction.

Wade Sr. married Wade’s mother, JoLinda, in 1977 and separated after almost 10 years. The Heat star was just 4 months old at the time of separation and his custody went to his mother. But Wade Sr. took his son’s custody when he was 9 because of his ex-wife’s battle with substance abuse. However, the 3x NBA champ always recognized his mother’s efforts and her concern for her children.

Dwyane Wade’s tribute to his mother in HOF speech

As stated above, the 3x NBA champ had to shift with his father after his mother’s battle with substance use. But it turns out this involved JoLinda’s approval as well. In his book, ‘A Father First’, the 3x NBA champ stated as a child he was worried about his mother.

As per the reports, JoLinda not only suffered from addiction but was also a part of unhealthy relationship. “I couldn’t sleep because I wanted her to come home and let me know she was okay,” Wade wrote. However, in his HOF speech, the 13x All Star expressed his admiration for his mother’s strength to overcome her own personal adversity.

“To have a mother who loved me enough to know when it was time to allow my dad to step in and lead the way is one of the most unselfish acts I’ve ever witnessed,” he added. He further thanked his mother for letting him be in an environment where he could stay focused and dream big. So all-in-all, apart from the big honor for Dwyane Wade, what came off from the HOF night was the fact Wade is a loving son, appreciative of whatever support his parents could provide.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.