Who is Dwyane Wade Sr? NFL star Dwyane Wade reveals he chose dad over wife Gabrielle Union to be in pre-op room during cancer surgery

Former basketball player Dwyane Wade, 43, reflected on his cancer surgery, in a recent conversation on the Making Space podcast with Hoda Kotb.

Instead of asking his wife, Gabrielle Union, to stay with him in the pre-op room during the surgery, he chose his father, Dwyane Wade Sr, to be present by his side in his most vulnerable state.

Dwyane Wade Sr is an honorary doctorate. He has been raising his son without the kid's mother since the latter was nine. Waded Sr was granted custody of the boy because JoLinda, the mother, was battling substance abuse.

Dwyane Wade shared why his dad was in the pre-op room during his surgery

Recalling the cancer surgery, Dwyane Wade shared with Hoda Kotb that he wanted his father to be beside him during his time in the pre-op room.

The Basketball Hall of Famer said:

"I chose my dad. He's the guy for me. He’s always been. It's crazy because I’m a mama’s boy, all those things, but my dad has been there."

He further shared:

"I just thought about actually who I wanted to see in my most vulnerable state. And it was my dad."

Gabrielle Union visited the hospital too, to support her husband during this difficult time. However, Wade wished to wake up to Union after the medical procedure. He later continued:

"I wanted my wife to see me when I woke up, I wanted her to be the first person I saw, but in my most vulnerable state, when I was probably as scared as I’ve ever been, I wanted my dad to be there. I was like, 'I need my dad.'"

Here's what we know about Dwyane Wade Sr

Dwyane Wade Sr played an integral role in his son's life, upbringing, and successful basketball career, which spanned many years. When his son started playing the sport, Wade Sr mentored him as a coach. From helping his son lead a disciplined life to making his way to the top level in his career, Wade Sr's contributions have been immense.

The athlete briefly experienced a rough childhood. When he was only four months old, his parents, Dwyane Wade Sr. and JoLinda, decided to split up. His mother struggled with drug and substance abuse, which led to further complications with the law, according to a report by The SportsRush.

As Wade grew, he found his dad behind him, supporting him in this long journey of basketball. Over time, their relationship has only strengthened.

While giving his acceptance of the honor speech at the Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony, Wade invited his father on stage and expressed his emotions, love, and gratitude for the significant person in his life.

He called ot for his dad and said lovingly:

""Pops. would you please stand?"

His video, dedicated to the senior, reminisces about his childhood and how his dad was always there to show up for him every time, and was filled with appreciation and thankfulness.

An elated Wade said:

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"We in the Hall of Fame dawg."

Dwyane also shared how his father inspires him to be a great dad.

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