“I had PTSD…” Dwight Howard recalls being ‘kidnapped and set on fire’ during event with Special Forces

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Dwight Howard was part of FOX's Special Forces before joining Dancing with the Stars.

“I had PTSD…” Dwight Howard recalls being ‘kidnapped and set on fire’ during event with Special Forces

Dwight Howard was on FOX's Special Forces

It has been a minute since Dwight Howard has played in the NBA. But it did not stop him from playing basketball in the Taiwanese league to continue his love for the game and keep himself fit and healthy. Other than that, the former Los Angeles Lakers star has taken part in some interesting activities.

The NBA champion recently was part of Dancing with the Stars. It is a show where only the fit and agile, along with the ability to learn dance moves quickly, can advance. Howard and his partner did well, and the experience left him with something to cherish for life.

While on Gil’s Arena, host Gilbert Arenas and his panel were listening about Howard’s experiences on DWTS. When he was explaining, Arenas asked him if it was more difficult than appearing on FOX’s Special Forces. The eight-time All-Star revealed what being in that training felt.

The Special Forces was so mentally and physically draining. It was only 10 days. And it wasn’t 10 days for everybody, because some people, they left the first day. I was able to withstand being kidnapped, set on fire, all that stuff. And it’s a whole different type thing that we’re dealing with on the dance floor. That was hard. I had PTSD after that. Like, I felt like I was really in the Army.

Dwight Howard on his experience with Special Forces

The 6′ 10″ center revealed he had to walk into a room, remove his mask, and start a conversation with someone, all while tear gas filled the room. He mentioned that although this Special Forces experience had its own difficulties, his time in DWTS was also challenging.

Dwight Howard and DWTS partner dance with Lakers girls

Dwight Howard was invited to participate in this season’s Dancing with the Stars. Since his debut on the show, the former Slam Dunk champion has surprised fans. Knowing his growing popularity, the star made it to his championship-winning team’s game alongside his dancing partner, Daniella Karagach.

The two sat courtside during the Los Angeles Lakers win against the Phoenix Suns and even showed off some moves. The two earlier caught up with the Lakers dancer’s squad. They posed for pictures, and the big man even broke out his variation of the ‘cha-cha-cha’ step, which the dancers joined in.

The superstar may not be a part of the team he did not want to leave. But he still comes back as it is the place where he joined basketball immortality. He may not be an active NBA player, but the center will be known as one who helped win the only Bubble NBA title.