NBA legend Dwyane Wade recently reflected on the ups and downs of his relationship with actress Gabrielle Union, revealing their love story hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The couple, now married for nearly a decade, faced significant challenges early in their romance – including a temporary breakup in 2013 that led to Wade fathering a son, Xavier, with longtime friend Aja Metoyer during their separation.
“I tried to break up with her,” Wade admitted about their rough patch. “‘Hey, you know things have been bad lately. We’ve been having some distance anyway.’ Like I tried all that. She kept showing up.” Despite the complications, the couple reconciled and became engaged just one month after Xavier’s birth in November 2013.
Wade was candid about their marital struggles, stating: “It hasn’t been perfect, it will never be perfect.” The former Miami Heat star credited couples therapy and open communication for strengthening their bond. “We’ve had shouts about it, we’ve had regular conversations,” he shared about working through their issues.
These reflections took on deeper meaning when Wade faced his most difficult challenge yet – a 2023 cancer diagnosis that required major kidney surgery. Throughout his health battle, Union stood firmly by his side, becoming his “huge source of strength.” The experience appears to have brought them even closer together.
Today, the couple remains one of Hollywood and sports’ most beloved pairs, proving that even relationships that begin with complications can grow into enduring partnerships. Their journey – from temporary breakup to parenting challenges to health crises – demonstrates their commitment to weathering life’s storms together.
