Shaquille O’Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey and is one of the largest (literally and figuratively) NBA Champions. At seven feet tall, 315 pounds, and a size 22 shoe, Shaq is a key figure of American basketball history.
Retiring in 2011, Shaq is now an NBA analyst as well as a musician and actor. He achieved a platinum record, Shaq Diesel, alongside Def Jam. Shaq has continued to be type cast in several roles over the years with his large stature and iconic face, his most notable role as the lead in Kazaam!
Shaquille O’Neal’s formative years were relatively tame. With a biological father who suffered from drug addiction, his military step-father adopted him as an infant. As an army brat, Shaq was relocated to bases in Germany and Texas.
Drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1992, Shaq dropped out of college his junior year to pursue a career in the NBA. Shaq played for several teams throughout his career, but most notably with Lakers 1996-2004.
He finished his career with the Boston Celtics in 2011 posting on Twitter that “We did it. Nineteen years, baby. I want to thank you very much. That’s why I’m telling you first. I’m about to retire. Love you. Talk to you soon.”
We love you too, Shaq. Here’s some of Shaq’s Black Moments.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Black Moments:
- Given an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal title and named the spokesman for the Safe Surfin’ Foundation
- honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald’s All-Americans
- Inductee of the New Jersey Hall of Fame
- Platinum album
- 15× NBA All-Star
- 4× NBA champion
- NBA Most Valuable Player (2000)
- 8× All-NBA First Team
- 3× NBA Finals MVP
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