DWAYNE WADE BEARS IT ALL ON THE COVER OF THE ESPN's ANNUAL BODY ISSUE

On July 6th, ESPN the Magazine releases its eighth edition of the 'Body Issue' for online consumption — July 8 for those of you who still enjoy picking up a hard copy. While more than 16 athletes will be represented in the issue, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade has the honor of gracing the cover for the first time in his career despite having several opportunities to take the plunge in the past.The reason Wade turned ESPN down before without hesitation? It’s only now, at age 34, that he feels comfortable stepping outside of his comfort zone. "To me, doing the 'Body Issue' is bigger than looking at an athlete's body," explains Wade. 

"It's more about the story we are telling of overcoming my fear of doing this. I had a fear of being naked in front of others and a fear of being judged. So to me, overcoming that is the biggest thing. Someone may look at me and think, 'Why would you have insecurity?' Well, this is real life and I'm human, and these are the things that I deal with that many others might deal with."Wade told ESPN that he never wanted to take his shirt off as a kid because his belly button was an outie. He didn’t want to take part in swimming class, either, because his feet were "a little rougher" as an athlete than others. It was only four years ago that Wade felt comfortable with his body, and he now feels an obligation to represent others with similar insecurities. "I don't even view my belly button now. I make jokes sometimes when I'm doing an interview . "As you go through life, you get more comfortable with yourself," he said. "It's like everything else with life—you change, you grow. People might think it's simple, but for me it was hard to even feel comfortable walking around naked when it's just me and my wife. So the thought of doing it at a photo shoot in front of people [laughs]—it was like, 'No way ever.'" So what changed his mind? He explained, "In my underwear line, Naked, we have this thing called the 'Naked Truth'—and my naked truth, I always say, is me being my authentic self. That became a part of me doing this shoot. I'm like, 'You know what, nothing is clearer than this, being my authentic self.' Right here is just me baring it all. 

This is as authentic as it gets." Wade also works hard on his body for him not to be willing to showcase it, spending hours in the gym, working out and doing cardio. "I'm 34 now; it doesn't come as easy as it did when I was 21, 22. I have to work at it now, where it used to be something that just came natural," he revealed. "Now I have to put in so many hours, but it makes me feel good to see the finished product." But he also admits putting in the hours is partially due to his deep love for food. "I can put on a few pounds pretty fast. I love to eat. I'm one of those guys who's low-key, but I'm a fat boy at heart, man, when I'm eating," he said. "To me that's kind of like my happy place: a great burger, fries and a soda. It's easy for me to pack pounds on, but it's easy for me to get them off at the same time."