Dwight Howard Is a Dad to Five Children from Five Different Women: What We Know about Each of Them

Dwight Howard's children live with their mothers in different areas of the country but maintain a relationship with their father. They sometimes visit Atlanta during the off-season to spend time with him.

Before becoming a father of five children from five different women, Dwight Howard didn't think he would end up in a situation where he would be frowned upon by his family and friends.

The NBA star had reservations about discussing his children with the public but eventually opened up about his journey toward fatherhood and the difficulties he faced fathering kids with different women.

"I was ashamed because I'd talked so much about being a Christian, professed my faith to the whole world, and here I was with a baby out of wedlock," he said in 2017. "My parents judged me. A lot of people judged me."

Admittedly, Dwight was irresponsible in his actions. However, he sees his kids as nothing short of blessings despite none living under his roof. As of 2017, two of his five kids were in Los Angeles, two in Florida, and one in Houston, living with their moms.

Nevertheless, the distance does not hinder the kids from having a relationship with the former Los Angeles Lakers star. They connect through messenger applications, have video calls now and then, and meet up in person when possible.

"It's a tough situation," Dwight said, but he never saw a mistake in his kids. Dwight's children have distinct personalities, but much like their father, they enjoy watching films, eating good food, and drinking slushies.

Braylon Howard

Dwight became a first-time father in 2007 when he welcomed his eldest child, Braylon Howard, with actress Royce Reed. The athlete was only 22 at the time and, according to his son, was not a good father.

In 2020, Braylon went public about his poor relationship with his dad, calling him absent and ignorant, a claim Dwight denied. Although they don't have a close bond, the father and son share the same love for sports.

Braylon, who was active in his middle school soccer team, is close to his mother. As seen from his Instagram account, Braylon credits Reed for raising him in a loving and safe environment.

Layla Howard

Layla Howard is Dwight's first daughter, born in October 2010 during his relationship with Tiffany Render, an aspiring model. Shortly after her birth, Layla moved into a new home with her mom. Dwight reportedly bought a mansion for his daughter and Render in Florida.

Dwight's youngest child, David Howard, was born in December 2013 to real estate agent Melissa Rios. Sadly, Rios passed away in 2020 after experiencing a seizure in Calabasas.

Jayde Howard

Three months later, Dwight welcomed another daughter, Jayde Howard, who he shares with Hope Alexa, a model and fitness enthusiast. Jayde was born in December 2010 but was only introduced to the public in 2012.

Like her older sister, Jayde does not use social media as much and lives a private life. She maintains a good relationship with her father, as he previously claimed.

Trey Howard

Trey welcomed his second son, Trey Howard, in June 2013 with his then-girlfriend, Christine Vest. Given his young age, not much is known about Trey. However, Vest previously spoke against her son's father.

According to Vest, Howard's presence was barely felt in his children's and their mom's lives, a claim to which the other kids' moms agreed.

David Howard

Dwight's youngest child, David Howard, was born in December 2013 to real estate agent Melissa Rios. Sadly, Rios passed away in 2020 after experiencing a seizure in Calabasas.

Besides their love for each other, Dwight and Cooper share a passion for sports. She is a professional basketball player who joined the University of Tennessee's team before moving to the University of Carolina.

One of His Son's Mother Died of Epileptic Seizure

Rios was 31 years when she passed away, leaving her then-six-year-old son. Shortly after the horrific incident, Dwight spoke about his ex-girlfriend's passing as one of the most challenging things he endured. Dwight said:

"My son's mom, she had passed away a month and a half ago, and it's extremely difficult for me to try to understand how to talk to my son, who's six years old, just about the whole situation."

David was with his father, living in Dwight's 23-acre Georgia property, when Rios passed away. According to the athlete, his kids have been a source of comfort and happiness amidst challenging times.

"Every moment counts," he said. "Be grateful for every situation that you have; just be grateful for life. I think we also take for granted the little things and just spending time with people and stuff like that."

The same year, Dwight Howard tied the knot with his 23-year-old then-fiancée, Te'a Cooper, in a secret wedding ceremony. Dwight first revealed his civil status with Cooper during a guest appearance on "The Rematch."

Dwight had nothing but kind words to say about his wife and married life. He also credited Cooper for changing his perspective on life and making him a better person.

Besides their love for each other, Dwight and Cooper share a passion for sports. She is a professional basketball player who joined the University of Tennessee team before moving to the University of Carolina.

Professionally, she signed with the Phoenix Mercury before joining the Los Angeles Sparks. With a husband supportive of her career, Cooper flourished on the court.

However, as public figures, their relationship was plagued with rumors and prying eyes. Dwight and Cooper always rose to the challenge and made sure nothing broke their commitment.