For the 16-year-old Zaya, her biggest inspiration is her father Dwyane Wade. He has always focused on becoming the person his children can admire and look up to. From guiding his children to being a supportive dad, Wade has set a true example for the fathers. While the world praises the 3x champion, he proudly credits his skills to his father, Dwyane Wade Sr. Wade was just 9 years old when his father acquired custody of his mother Jolinda Wade. 

Following this, he went on to pursue his passion. He played in the AAU and was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2003. He won 3 championship titles with the Heat. But how did the journey begin for him?

Why was Dwyane Wade’s custody given to his father?

Both Wade and his sister Tragil Wade had a tough childhood. It wasn’t easy for the two when their mother struggled with her addiction issues.  As a child, Wade was always scared and worried about his mother and sister. Reportedly, it was Wade’s sister who convinced their parents. She wanted to ensure her little brother’s safety from the rough Chicago streets. 

And Wade’s custody was given to his father. Growing up with his father, the 3x champion always admired him. He was deeply moved by his father’s dedication and hard work for their family and found inspiration in his example. The champ always credits his father for making him the man he is now. Looking back, Wade’s sister once shared that she was happy about the decision she made for her brother.

“Growing up, you know, I watched a man be a man. He (Dwyane Wade Sr.) took custody of me at nine years old when my mom was going through her troubles and really stepped in as a man and so I gave a lot of credit to my father for a lot of the ways,” Wade said during one of his appearance at The Dan LeBatard Show.

Cut to 2001, JoLinda achieved sobriety and started her new journey as a Baptist pastor. As she dedicated her life to helping others in their paths to recovery, Wade started to set his sights on the NBA. However, financial constraints almost stopped him from going to the  AAU basketball championship. He continued to struggle until he made it to the league.

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Dwyane Wade built a massive empire

Speaking of what drives him every day, Wade spoke about his past. “It’s a fear you carry when you grow up a certain way. You grow up poor, it’s a fear of being back there for your family, like I. You know, I’m responsible for my family, my mom, my dad. I’m responsible, big responsibility…But yes I definitely learned. I watched my dad,” Wade said in an interview with SXSW.

He overcame it and after a successful college basketball career with the Marquette Golden Eagles, his road to Miami Heat success began. Alongside Shaquille O’Neal, he won the first NBA title in 2006. The champ is recognized as one of the best basketball players in the league and has a business worth millions. He also owns a minority share in NBA and WNBA teams. Wade also owns a production company, 59th & Prairie. One of the films produced by the company, The Barber of Little Rock was recently nominated for the Oscars. Along with his basketball career and business, he maintained the same balance in his personal life too. 

In 2002, Wade welcomed his first child, Zaire, and then Zaya with his ex-wife. In 2014 he tied the knot with actress Gabrielle Union and welcomed daughter Kaavia in 2018. In the end, the champ has won and fans are proud of him. 

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