Shaquille O’Neal was born on March 6, 1972. He is a former professional basketball player, D.J., actor, musician, and successful businessman. O’Neal is most well-known for his success in basketball. He left college to join the Orlando Magic in 1992 but found the most success with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he led the team to win three consecutive championships. He won a fourth championship with the Miami Heat — he was highly successful despite his problems with injuries. And although O’Neal sometimes courts controversy, many greatly admire him and we are happy to help you celebrate this larger-than-life basketball player.
Fast Facts
Birth date:
March 06, 1972
Age:
52 years, 1 month
Zodiac Sign:
Pisces
Background
Shaquille O’Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey. His father was Joe Toney, and his mother was Lucille O’Neal. However, Toney struggled with substance abuse and was jailed when O’Neal was an infant. O’Neal’s mother married Phillip Harrison, an Army sergeant. As a result, Phillip Harrison raised O’Neal. O’Neal is an African American, and his zodiac sign is Pisces. Harrison’s military career meant the family had to move around a lot. O’Neal’s parents moved to Germany and Texas. By the age of 16, O’Neal was already over six feet tall. He joined his high school basketball team and led the team to win the state championship.After graduating from high school, O’Neal went to college at Louisiana State University. He was two times Southern Eastern Conference (S.E.C.) Player of the Year. O’Neal chose to leave school early to pursue his professional career. He was drafted in the N.B.A. draft by the Orlando Magic in 1992. Before joining the team at Orlando, O’Neal had a short stint with Magic Johnson in Los Angeles. O’Neal made an immediate impact in Orlando. He was named Player of the Week in his first week with the team, and it was the first time a player would achieve the feat. In 1993 O’Neal was named the N.B.A. Rookie of the Year.O’Neal joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 on the first day of the 1996 Olympics. His signing was a record deal for the Los Angeles Lakers. O’Neal led the team to three consecutive Championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002. He left the Lakers for the Miami Heats in 2004 and won his fourth championship for the Heats. He went on to play for the Phoenix Suns (2008), the Cleveland Cavaliers (2009), and the Boston Celtics (2010). O’Neal retired in 2011.
Career timeline
O'Neal joins the Orlando Magic in the N.B.A. draft.
O'Neal wins gold in the Atlanta 1996 Olympic basketball competition.
O'Neal scores a career-high 61 points in the season and helps secure the Lakers' N.B.A. title.
O'Neal wins his fourth and final N.B.A. title with the Miami Heat.
After his final season with the Boston Celtics, O'Neal chooses to retire from professional basketball.
The International Basketball Federation (F.I.B.A.) honors O'Neal by electing him to The F.I.B.A. Hall of Fame.
Shaquille O'Neal FAQs
Does Shaquille O'Neal own Google?
He doesn’t own the company entirely, but he has a significant investment in Google.
How old was Shaquille O'Neal when he retired?
O’Neal retired at 39. His career spanned 19 seasons, almost two decades.
How did Shaquille O'Neal get rich?
O’Neal got rich from his playing days. But he also made sizable investments in many businesses.
5 Surprising Facts
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He was a giant child
Shaquille O'Neal was over six feet tall when he was just 10 years old.
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He sold burgers
O'Neal's first job was at Burger King flipping burgers.
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He suffered from Osgood-Schlatter disease
As a teenager, O'Neal suffered from persistent knee pain which made it difficult for him to play sports.
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He spent a million dollars quickly
After receiving his first big paycheck, O'Neal went on a crazy two-day spending spree.
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He has destroyed many backboards
O'Neal's weight caused many backboards to break.
Why We Love Shaquille O'Neal
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He listens to others
O'Neal had a bad spending habit when he started making money. His financial advisor convinced him to change his outlook, and we love that he listened.
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He is respectful
O'Neal loves giving to people. Every time he wants to give to children, he tells them to ask for their parent's permission, and we love how he teaches the children to respect their parents.
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He is generous
O'Neal has a habit of giving to others. We love people who go out of their way to make others happy.
Shaquille O'Neal’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 6 | Monday |
| 2024 | March 6 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 6 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 6 | Saturday |
