Esquire interview with Dwight Howard…
SR: You’ve got a smile that other human beings respond to. It’s a beautiful smile, even during games.
DH: When I’m smiling and having fun, that’s when you should have a problem. If I’m out there frowning and looking mean, that’s when you know you’ve beat me — because I’m not having fun. I’ve been playing basketball since I was three. Everybody since I was three tried to tell me to stop smiling. Even my dad. My dad apologized to me when I was ten. He said, “Dwight, I remember I told you to stop smiling. I like when you smile. Keep doing it. I’m sorry for ever telling you not to smile.” I said, “Dad, look, I’m young. This is what brings me joy. This is my sanctuary. This is my church. This is where I show God that I’m thankful for life.” I’m going to show it when I play basketball, when I’m on the streets, when I’m having fun. When I’m anywhere, I’m going to show God that I’m thankful just for life. I’m living out my dream. This is what I want to do.
