Wade, a 12-year professional and perennial starter, split his time in the NFL between the Jacksonville Jaguars (1998–2002) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003–2007). He started 88 games in the past six years, missing just eight games in 2004 due to a dislocated knee. During John Wade's NFL career he started a total of 110 games, including 6 playoff starts. On March 31, 2008, he signed with the Oakland Raiders. Wade was released by the Raiders during the 2009 pre-season. They agreed to an injury settlement.