You can’t measure Shaquille O’Neal’s big heart, but we’re one step closer to it. Thanks to the Muhammad Ali Center. For the past decade, the Kentucky-based organization has recognized the icons of social change like its namesake with four seasonal awards. This year, Shaq joins the list of select few celebrities.

The 4x champion was named the 11th Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year for 2024. In receiving the honor, Shaq joins, Christina Aguilera who was one of the inaugural honorees. Michael Bolton, Michael J. Fox, and Susan Sarandon have been the recipients as well. What makes Shaq’s honor so special is that he’s the first NBA player to be on the receiving end.

Very few athletes have been included in these annual awards. O’Neal fits the bill beyond doubt. His magnanimity is well-documented, from buying cars for his rookie teammates to putting an entire store’s purchases on his tab. The Muhammad Ali Center didn’t have to look past his work with the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and the Boys And Girls Club to know he’s deserving of the honor.

The 11th Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards will be held on November 9, along with its annual fundraiser. Beside Shaq, a notable attorney, Bryan Stevenson will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Grammy-winner Nile Rodgers will be honored with the Global Citizenship Award. They also award six core awards for young change makers.

November would be O’Neal’s busiest period. Along with his broadcast duties at TNT (possibly the goodbye season for Inside the NBA), he will host his annual star-studded fundraiser, The Event, at that time. He’d wrap Shaqtober during the Halloween festivities and would be preparing for Shaq-a-Claus during the holidays.

That’s not even including all the random acts of kindness and more O’Neal does in between his cross country schedules. He’s already been busy this summer.

Shaq’s had a lively summer

Between following Team USA on the exhibition games, his Summer of Bass tour, and hosting Lucky 13, O’Neal hosted his annual Sports Spectacular Camp. His sports camp not only brings sports pros to give student-athletes a boost, Shaq hooks them up with gift cards, meals, haircuts, and back-to-school supplies.

He hosted ‘Shaq-to-school’ events for Atlanta and Dallas kids through his connections to JCPenney. He then headed to Las Vegas where between a two day EDM event, he announced the construction of a youth facility in Northeast Vegas. The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and local councils will build a multi million facility for the Boys and Girls Club and a CIS Alumni Center.

O’Neal has not yet responded to the honor. He’s busy jetsetting across Europe. And probably thinking of ways to bring smiles everywhere.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And, join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.