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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

“I always tell my family, ‘Show me a movie where Santa receives a gift, and I’ll let you buy me a gift.'” Previously, Shaquille O’Neal explained why he likes giving gifts to others and not receiving them. Whether you are a fan or not, tomorrow, the Lakers legend has already made provisions for you to receive one such gift. What’s the occasion, you ask? Hear it from the 4x NBA champion.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

What’s up, y’all? Did y’all know it’s my birthday? Well, me and my friends at Big Chicken want to celebrate with you. Stop by any participating Big Chicken location and get a free ice cream cone. Consider it my birthday gift to you.” In his Instagram post, The Big Aristotle explained how fans could celebrate his 53rd birthday. He even sang to make it clearer. “Happy Birthday to me, happy Birthday to me, and you get a free ice cream cone; Happy Birthday from me!

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Yes, certain Big Chicken locations will provide one free ice cream per customer, and that too with no purchase required. As of now, two of the outlets are Hattiesburg, Mississippi and one in Rosemont, Illinois have confirmed about serving this offer. That’s how the Shaquille O’Neal venture has been celebrating its founder’s birthday for the past few years. Even though, just yesterday, the news dropped that the Big Chicken will go through big changes.

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They have signed a Craveworthy Brands, who will be the managing partner, investor, and stakeholder of Big Chicken going forward. Some reports suggest it is done to cut down operating costs and make the brand a global fast-food chain. So, despite the changes, fans can still celebrate Shaq’s birthday tomorrow. Speaking about celebrating, on TNT’s show on Tuesday, Shaquille O’Neal was in no mood to celebrate or hype up his big day.

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The host of the show, Adam Lefkoe, hinted and asked what could be the big plans. But Diesel just replied to those questions with “nope” and “nothing.” As stated, Shaq doesn’t like receiving gifts, but a few years ago, he received one!

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Shaquille O’Neal on his “best birthday ever”

Over the years, there have been many instances where the former player-turned-analyst has showered fans or teammates with gifts. Buying a $1 million Rolls-Royce for his friend and collaborator, GAWNE. Gifting LeBron James a $400k Rolls Royce Phantom on his 25th birthday. Not to forget Shaq’s random act of kindness of him gifting a van to a family of 11. But on his 50th birthday, he received a new Hellcat. What’s new about it you ask?

It was a customized Dodge Charger Hellcat. The gift was from his friends Swaggpack Shaq, Atlanta Street Xecs, and Padgett Motor Sports. The Charger Hellcat is an 800-horsepower muscle car, and Shaq’s version features a custom “Diesel Dog Mafia” livery with a blood-splatter design. Shaquille O’Neal added on his Instagram: “best birthday ever…for getting me my brand new dodge hellcat charger. best car club ever. love you guys thanks . i feel like charles barkley eating a piece of choclate cake.”

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The $500 million net worth NBA icon already has more than 40 cars in his garage. Last year, he purchased a Tesla and received another custom car from Effortless Motors, which put them on the map. It will be interesting if the Riverside dealership surprises Shaq with another gift to celebrate his 53rd birthday.

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Pranav Kotai

2,670 Articles

Pranav Kotai is an editor at EssentiallySports, specializing in basketball coverage with a focus on trade dynamics and front-office decision-making. Having previously worked on the Trade Desk vertical, he brought clarity to how salary cap pressures and roster needs shape NBA transactions. His insightful coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers’ decision to hold firm on Joel Embiid amid trade speculation highlights how market context and team strategy influence major roster moves. Before joining EssentiallySports, Pranav holds experience of skills in professional writing, editorial work, and digital content creation. He holds a postgraduate diploma in digital media from a reputed institute, where he mastered the tools to create engaging and credible content across various platforms. Known for his attention to detail, proficiency in storytelling, and editorial expertise, Pranav combines deep basketball knowledge with sharp analytical abilities to deliver clear, insightful perspectives on the complexities of NBA trades and team management.

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Oajaswini S Prabhu

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