Last year, Shaq admitted he once eyed an NFL tight-end career—until better pay lured him to the NBA instead. But he chose the NBA, since the league paid better. That move proved to be the right one as he became the icon of the game. Still, the 4x NBA champion has his eye on pro football, even as a team that he wholeheartedly supports. His recent move supporting the rival’s WR caused a social media storm.

The player is none other than the overall number 2 2025 draft pick, Travis Hunter. The 2024 AP College Player of the Year is the next superstar for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Previously, on his podcast, Shaq discussed the potential of the WR with ‘Megatron’ Calvin Johnson. The Lakers legend question was, “Is he big enough to play both sides?” It seems the answer swayed him and his out to support the Colorado Buffs alum.

On his Instagram, Shaquille O’Neal uploaded two collaboration posts holding the #12 jersey of Hunter. One was obviously from the team Jaguars, who added, “WHERE THE HEAD BANGERS AT?!?!?!?!” Apart from the $4.2 billion franchise, even the NFL added a post in collaboration with the Big Aristotle to share his stamp of approval on Hunter. “big Travis Hunter fan. literally.” Although it’s good to support any new talent, this might jeopardize Shaquille O’Neal’s long-standing position with the $10.1 billion franchise.

For those unaware, Shaq is a long-term Dallas Cowboys fan. “This is Shaq, the biggest Cowboys fan ever”—Shaquille O’Neal’s message to the Cowboys owner had his love for the team established loud and clear. He has even lost bets after he favored his favorite team to win and had to wear a wig after the loss. It is just one of many attempts where the Lakers legend showed his love for the Dallas franchise.

Shaquille O’Neal sent in a suggestion to the Cowboys owner and proved his allegiance

When the odds are down, the team needs to make changes. That’s the slump the Cowboys endured last season. After they hit a rough patch with a 3-3 record this season, Shaq took to The Big Podcast to send Cowboys owner Jerry Jones a playful yet well-meaning suggestion for the team. The Lakers legend suggested, at the time, free-agent running back Leonard Fournette, with seven years of NFL experience.

“Jerry Jones. It’s me, your boy, Shaq. Look at [Leonard Fournette], looking good. Six pack… He ready to go. All right, Jerry Jones? Stop messing around, Jerry Jones. My man is right here… he’s still 29 Jerry Jones.” Despite Fournette’s enthusiastic reply—“I’m still 29”—and Shaq’s follow-up insistence, Jones never pulled the trigger. Yet the plea wasn’t a one-off stunt: Shaq doubled down days later on Instagram Live, declaring, “I don’t switch—I’ve always been the biggest Cowboys fan,” even referencing a lost wig bet after a Dallas defeat.

“the biggest Cowboys fan ever. I don’t switch. I’ve always been a Cowboy fan, ups and downs.” Re-emphasizing the need to sign Fournette. His request did not materialize, but the NBA icon made sure to leave a mark with the ownership group. But his supporting the Jaguars’ WR might put him in a tough spot with the fanbase and the ownership.