LeBron James has experienced it, Kevin Durant just went through it and many more high-profile athletes go through it every year.
When a superstar decides to play for a different team, fans have been known to burn jersey’s among a plethora of other unpleasant things.
But for Dwyane Wade, it’s something he won’t likely ever have to face.
Despite deciding to leave the Miami Heat and sign with the Chicago Bulls this past offseason, fans have been respectful towards the 13-year veteran and 10-time All-Star.
Wade has thanked Heat fans numerous times for their support on various platforms. But this past week, Wade made a special tribute to the city to which he still calls home.
While athletes are notorious for thanking fans on social media, with some even taking out a newspaper ad to show their appreciation, Wade took things up a notch as he took out a billboard near the American Airlines Arena to thank the city as well as its fans.
Dwyane Wade thanks Miami Heat fans with billboard: https://t.co/RItlCdkTMQ pic.twitter.com/yZsLMIuWF9
— NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) September 16, 2016
And when the Bulls visit the Heat this year, you can bet Wade will receive a standing ovation for the three-time NBA champ.
But after “moving on”, Wade hasn’t stopped caring for the place he’s called home the past 13 seasons. With all the recent violence and protests towards police brutality and the war on cops, Wade recently held a bike rally to get both sides to unite and come together and to raise awareness on issues.
The issue really became personal for Wade after one of his cousins was shot and killed in Chicago over the summer.
“Actions,” he said, “speak louder than words,” Wade has stated numerous times.
Well those action were put to work as Wade hopped on a bike and rode for six miles alongside ordinary citizens and police officers.
Fantastic bike ride w/ @dwyanewade, the ultimate class act. Tks for so many great years. #Miami will miss you! pic.twitter.com/gKtYDBdooF
— Ralph Rosado (@ralphrosado) September 17, 2016
“I really reached out to the police department for them to be a part of this, to really drive home unity with the police as well in the community,” said Wade. “I think today was a good step in the right direction for everyone who came out here.”
Those actions have helped cement Wade’s legacy as great role model and no matter what jersey he’s wearing this year, Wade is already a winner in the hearts of fans across the country..
