Shaquille O’Neil, who is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, turns 54 today – but here are some facts you might not know about him.
Shaquille O’Neil is an iconic name in the world of basketball. The 7 foot 1 inch center played for six teams over his 19-year career, including Orlando Magic, LA Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
In that time, Shaq won the NBA Championship four times, was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2000 and made the NBA All-Star team on 15 occasions – and won many, many other accolades over his career.
After hanging up the basketball in 2011, he has done many things on TV, as well as investing in businesses and basketball teams.
Still a much-loved figure, he turns 54 today – so here are some fun facts you might not know about Shaquille O’Neil.
Shaq is a man of many nicknames
While is often referred to as Shaq, the man has had many nicknames over the years, some given to him by journalists, others self-anointed.
Nicknames given to him include Shaq Fu, The Big Daddy, Superman, The Big Cactus and The Big Conductor.
Nicknames he has chosen himself include Diesel, Hobo Master and The Big Aristotle.
He fulfilled a promise to his mother to finish his college degree
Shaq had attended LSU while a youngster but dropped out to pursue his NBA career – and you can’t argue that turned out to be a good decision. But, on dropping out, he did promise his mother that he would eventually return to his studies and complete his degree.
And, like any good boy, he kept his promise to his mum. In 2000, Shaq returned to his studies and completed his bachelor’s degree in general studies from LSU, with a minor in political science.
Shaq also completed an MBA online through the University of Phoenix in 2005. He said that it was something to have on his resume, should he ever have to get a regular 9-to-5 job.
He is an electronic dance music producer
Alongside basketball, TV punditry and various business ventures, Shaq has also forged a long career in music. He started out as a rapper in 1993 and his debut album, Shaq Diesel, went platinum.
More recently, Shaq has turned his attention to electronic dance music, producing music and touring under the name DJ Diesel. He released an album under that name in 2023
He’s been a deputy in the police
Shaq has long been interested in law enforcement, so much so that he has got involved in it. He has been through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Reserve Academy and became a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Port Police while he was playing in LA.
After transferring to Miami, Shaq assumed a similar role in Miami Beach. While there, he witnessed a hate crime, and, after calling Miami-Dade police, helped to track the offender. His actions led to the arrest of two suspects.
Shaq has since had roles in forces in Bedford, Virginia and Florida.
He is a businessman and investor
While Shaq has earned hundreds of millions from his NBA career, he has also made plenty of money through his business interests and investments.
For instance, Shaq was an early investor in Google in the 1990s. he also invested in stocks for General Electric, PepsiCo and Apple.
Shaq has also owned various franchises over the years, including a Krispy Kreme donuts location, as well as Five Guys and Auntie Annes restaurants. He also owns a string of car washes and health clubs as well as the Big Chicken brand of chicken sandwiches.
