On Tuesday, the Miami Heat organization announced that Dwayne Wade’s jersey will officially be retired. Wade was a part of the team from 2003 to 2016 after leaving the Chicago Bulls. Wade spent the majority of his 16-year career playing for the Miami Heat and won 3 rings during his time. The jersey will be hung up in the rafters of the American Airlines Arena as a memorabilia that fans can always admire.
During last basketball season, Wade played his final game in the NBA. The Miami Heat wanted to honor the years of hard work he dedicated as the famous number 3 has been worn by Wade for years. He will join other Hall of Famers like Shaquille O’Neal who wore number 32 during his career. Once the jersey is hung, no other player on the Miami Heat can sport that number.
Wade went to his Instagram to share a video of his excitement and take a quick trip down memory lane. The save the date video featured Wade walking through the arena with his jersey in hand as he smiled at the building that he spent so much time developing his career. He showed his gratitude by stating he is, “Thankful. Grateful. Honored. #L3GACY“
The Heat jersey retirement ceremony will take place on Saturday February 22nd. Along with the actual jersey hanging, there will be a three-day “Legacy Celebration.” The celebration will be an emotional one as it symbolizes the end of an era.