Tonight, Dwyane Wade euro-steps closer to closing out his 16-year stint in the NBA by playing his final regular season home game with the Miami Heat, the place where his illustrious career all began. The dynamic shooting guard has notched three championships over the years and in his final run this season, he’s even picked up a special tradition of swapping jerseys with players across the league. To commemorate his impending retirement, Budweiser planned a "jersey-swap" for the ages, bringing Wade face-to-face with fans in an emotional celebratory video, aptly titled "This Bud’s for 3."
The four-minute tribute sets the baller up with some of his biggest supporters who, instead of jerseys, exchange items that tell the story of how he has impacted their lives. He even gets a bigger surprise when his mother, Jolinda Wade, and Andrea Oliver, sister of Parkland victim Joaquin Oliver, join the memorable moment for tear-jerking scenes.
“Throughout the year, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my basketball career and thank so many teammates, coaches and mentors who have impacted me on the court. Thanks to Budweiser for reminding me that my connection to people is bigger than basketball. While my basketball career is coming to a close in the coming days, my relationship with my fans will only continue to grow,” he said in response to the film.
Budweiser will air the spot before tip and during halftime at tonight’s game in Miami, while a 90-second clip will also show on Fox Sports Sun throughout the week. Scroll above to check the sentimental piece out now on YouTube.
For more in sports news, read about how the Lakers and Warriors paid homage to Nipsey Hussle during their game last week.