“Humble” Shaquille O’Neal Drove 50 Minutes Out of His Way and Came to the Rescue After Ex-NFL Star Faced Rejection From an NBA Legend: “I Mess With You”

Published 03/30/2023, 8:30 AM EDT

Despite his booming success and fame, NBA great Shaquille O’Neal has remained incredibly humble throughout the years. Shaq’s passion for philanthropy, which he sometimes keeps hidden from the public view, is one of the most admirable elements of his character. His nonprofit works relentlessly to assist at-risk children, and he has fed thousands of families across the country. Despite his achievements and the good influence he has had on so many people’s lives, Shaq has remained approachable and down-to-earth, always eager to offer a helping hand and urge others to do the same.

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Ex-NFL star Brandon Marshall recently shared his experience of running into the NBA legend.

Brandon Marshall on meeting Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal appeared as a guest on the recent episode of the podcast, I Am Athlete. He was joined by the crew comprising Brandon Marshall, Adam ‘Pacman” Jones, LeSean ‘Shady’ McCoy, and Ashley Nicole Moss. During the episode, the former NFL veteran and podcast co-host Brandon Marshall shared a heartwarming anecdote about his encounter with Shaquille O’Neal. when he was just in the sixth grade. Marshall recalled meeting Shaq when he was living in Orlando and went to attend one of Shaq’s video shoots for one of his songs.

Here is what Brandon said about the encounter:

“Not everybody is humble like that and that’s why I respect you. Because when you was playing for the magic, I was living in Orlando. And I was in fifth, sixth grade. Went to one of your video shoots for one of your songs you did. And Penny was there, and I walked up the Penny and I asked for his autograph and he was like nah nah nah nah nah, I had the ball and everything. And then I walked up to you and you blessed us. You signed the ball.”

He goes on, “But I’m saying that because like bro you came 50 minutes out of your way. You got your biggest party, the biggest party of the year is tonight. And you drove 50 minutes out of your way to come bless us. And you do that with everybody.”

The Big Diesel’s response was simple: ‘It ain’t nothing else. It’s you dawg, ’cause I mess with you…We all the same people, I wanted to get at some people for saying stuff too, but it also ignited that pitbull in me.‘

Both players got quite emotional as they exchanged views on the event which undoubtedly left a deep imprint on Marshall’s heart.

“I Never Did Not Like You”: Settling Decades-Old Beef With Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Taught Shaquille O’Neal a Humbling Lesson

Shaq’s jealousy toward LeBron James

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When Los Angeles Lakers legend, LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-all-time Jabbar’s career scoring record in February, Shaquille O’Neal admitted to experiencing professional jealousy. O’Neal, who was the NBA’s most formidable force during his peak years in the early 2000s, revealed in the same episode of the podcast that he wished he had accomplished the feat himself. He said, “I was jealous of LeBron James at that moment. It was professional jealousy. I wish that was me. I know what I would’ve said – ‘I’m the greatest.’”

Watch This Story: “Who’s Guarding Me”: Shaquille O’Neal Reignites Old Flames, Dismisses LeBron James’ Heat vs 2001 Lakers

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LeBron’s consistency and all-around ability have defined him as one of basketball’s most adaptable players, thriving in four different eras. He has earned the respect and adoration of both fans and players as a leader both on and off the court. Shaq, on the other hand, was a powerful force in his prime. With his height and power, he was virtually unbeatable in the post, and he won four titles with three different teams. Despite the fact that his prime was fleeting, Shaq’s dominance cemented his spot as one of the most fearsome players of his generation. Who do you think is the GOAT in NBA? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Ranjitha Ramesh is a freshman at EssentiallySports. A degree holder in Journalism and Mass Communication, Ranjitha is eager to report on the lifestyle and off-court shenanigans of popular NBA stars. She is a huge fan of LeBron James as a player and of the Lakers as a team.

Edited by:

Gideon Mathson

“Humble” Shaquille O’Neal Drove 50 Minutes Out of His Way and Came to the Rescue After Ex-NFL Star Faced Rejection From an NBA Legend: “I Mess With You”

Brandon Marshall on meeting Shaquille O’Neal

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