Buying 2000 Pairs of Shoes, Shaquille O’Neal Repaid the Kindness He Got Years Ago for His Oversized Feet: “One of the Best Things That Happened to Me and My Family”

Published 08/22/2022, 8:30 PM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most generous athletes out there. The Big Diesel is always helping the ones in need. After a dominant 19-year career in the NBA, the Hall of Famer has devoted his life to bringing a smile to people’s faces. However, there was a time even Shaq needed help.

During his childhood, the Big Diesel moved around army bases. Even as a youngster, Shaq was a giant. At the age of just 10, the four-time champion was 6’4″. And it wasn’t just his frame. Shaq’s feet were also growing drastically. With time, it became difficult for him to find shoes that would fit him. This is when a little Shaq met Bruce Teilhaber.

Making massive shoes that would cater to the Big Diesel, Bruce gave him a free pair of shoes for prom. Now, after making it big, Shaq hasn’t forgotten his shoe maker’s generous deed. Likewise, he has paid him back by buying over 2000 pairs of shoes.

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Shaquille O’Neal will always payback

As a young kid, the Big Aristotle didn’t have the wealth he has today. With his father in the army, Shaq was constantly jumping around army bases. As he kept getting huge, his feet were growing astronomically. There came a point the Los Angeles Lakers legend had to fit into size 14 shoes as a youngster. However, while staying in Atlanta, he came across Bruce, and he solved all his problems in one go.

Despite becoming one of the richest athletes, the Big Diesel never forgot his roots. He remained to be Bruce’s number one customer. Buying over 2000 pairs of shoes, Shaq changed his life around. Just the name was enough for Friedman’s shoes to blow up. With posters of NBA legends all around the shop, Bruce spoke about the impact of knowing Shaq as a businessman.

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He said, “The best thin to ever happen to me and my family was meeting Shaquille O’Neal. If you are in business and you know him, you’re going to be okay.”

Apart from Bruce, there was a time Shaq met a kid sharing his own problems. As soon as he saw the message on his Instagram, the Big Diesel decided to make his day. Bringing him into his favorite shoe shop, he brought the kid 10 pairs of shoes from Bruce. After making all the money, Shaquille O’Neal now focuses on bringing happiness to others. From buying 1000 gifts to paying for an engagement ring, the NBA Hall of Famer has never disappointed.

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And he vows to continue doing his part in bringing a smile to someone’s face from time to time.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.

Edited by:

Tony Thomas

Buying 2000 Pairs of Shoes, Shaquille O’Neal Repaid the Kindness He Got Years Ago for His Oversized Feet: “One of the Best Things That Happened to Me and My Family”

Shaquille O’Neal will always payback

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