NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal is among the most recognizable names on the planet. Whether it was a phenomenal basketball career, or life since then, the big man has dominated in every sphere. One of the more heartwarming parts of his tenure as a celebrity, though, has been his generosity. A man of the people, Shaq is constantly looking for ways to help and elevate the community. One of the simplest examples was the launch of his sneaker line to make sure everyone could afford them.

However, years before his incredible gesture, Shaquille O’Neal was a signee for a big-time shoe brand. More importantly, though, he almost took down the kingpin, Nike.

Shaquille O’Neal has an Answer for Nike

Coming out of college, Shaq was the de facto number 1 overall pick. A dominating college career led to most predicting that the LSU product would have an instant impact on the court. As a result, shoe companies were lining up to sign the big man.

To him, the primary condition was a need for his own shoe. However, Nike wasn’t fully aware of his impact, and they went with the Miami Heat legend, Alonzo Mourning. This left the soon-to-be Orlando Magic pick to go with Reebok. However, his pettiness came to the forefront as he still went to Nike HQ, decked in Reebok.

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Safe to say, the meeting ended quickly. However, in the first few years, Reebok was winning the battle. His Airness was on his way out, announcing his retirement one year later, while Shaq broke the mold of a rookie’s expectations. When Jordan did come back, he tasted defeat at the hands of O’Neal himself.

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Alas, the following season was the closest the rivalry between the two companies got. Reebok furthered their brand by signing another 1st overall pick, Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson. And the first shoe? It became a legend. Called The Question, AI’s immense popularity already made it popular. Wearing it while crossing over Michael Jordan the next season certainly helped matters.

But, as we all know, Jordan came back with a vengeance. Another three-peat later, Nike stood head-and-shoulder above everyone. And, by the time Reebok’s two greatest signees won their first MVPs, they had moved on to different brands. However, Shaq didn’t forget about the company that gave him his first break. In 2021, the Miami Heat legend partnered up to save the dying company.

Shaq took a big-time gamble on Reebok

Reebok had all but fizzled out of the market by the time 2021 rolled around. Snatched up by Adidas, the company was dying a slow death. However, its fortune changer returned to finally save the day. For a man as sharp on the business side as Shaq, it certainly was a risky move at the time.

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Teaming up with Authentic Brands Group, Shaq bought back Reebok from Adidas for a mind-numbing $2.5 billion. However, the move has paid off thus far. As Reebok continues enjoying a renaissance, Shaq has gotten more involved with the company.

While news of his charity at Best Buy continues to go viral, it is heartening to see Shaq give back so much to the community and the company that cared for him.