Childhood and Education Journey of Shaquille O'Neal in Timeline
An overview of the childhood and early education of Shaquille O'Neal, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, or Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7-foot-1-inch and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion widely considered one of the greatest basketball players and centers in history.
March 6, 1972: Shaquille O'Neal's Birth
On March 6, 1972, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey. This marks the beginning of the life of the future basketball star.
1989: Studies Business at LSU
After graduating high school in 1989, Shaquille O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).
1993: Appears in NBA Jam
In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Jam.
1994: Appears in World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal made several appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), including at the Bash at the Beach pay per view, where he presented the title belt.
1997: Animated Role in Johnny Bravo
In 1997, O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in Johnny Bravo episode "Back on Shaq".
1997: Starring in Steel
In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal starred as John Henry Irons in the film Steel, becoming one of the first African Americans to portray a major comic book superhero in a motion picture.
1998: Personnel Changes
During the 1998-99 season, the Los Angeles Lakers saw personnel changes with Nick Van Exel being traded to the Denver Nuggets and Eddie Jones being traded for Glen Rice to satisfy O'Neal's demand for a shooter.
1998: Saturday Night Live Appearance
In 1998, Shaquille O'Neal was initially chosen to host Saturday Night Live, but had to back out due to scheduling conflicts, however, he did appear in two sketches during the episode.
2000: Begins Training in Mixed Martial Arts
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal began training in mixed martial arts (MMA) at Jonathan Burke's Gracie Gym, learning boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling, using the nickname Diesel.
2000: B.A. Degree from LSU
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal earned his B.A. degree in general studies from LSU, fulfilling a promise to his mother.
2001: Corrective surgery for claw toe deformity
A month before the 2001-02 season's training camp, O'Neal underwent corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in his left foot.
2001: Appearance in 311 Music Video
In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the 311 music video for the hit single "You Wouldn't Believe".
2002: Appearance on Motorcycle Mania 2
In 2002, O'Neal participated in the Discovery Channel special Motorcycle Mania 2, requesting a custom bike from Jesse James.
2002: Animated Role in Static Shock
In 2002, O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in the Static Shock episode "Static Shaq".
2002: Appears in Quest for the Code
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in Quest for the Code as a voice actor.
2002: Toe surgery and missed games
Shaquille O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season recovering from toe surgery.
2003: Failed X-Men Movie Role
In 2003, O'Neal reportedly wanted a role in X2, the second installment of the X-Men film series, but was ignored by the filmmakers.
2004: Appears in NBA Live 2004
In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in NBA Live 2004 and NBA Ballers.
June 2005: Offers to Pay Funeral Expenses for George Mikan
In June 2005, Shaquille O'Neal offered to pay all of the funeral expenses for Hall of Fame center George Mikan, who O'Neal considered to be a major influence.
2005: Ankle injury and coaching change
During the 2005-06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. Upon his return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley took over.
2005: Earned MBA Degree
In 2005, O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix, viewing it as something to add to his resume for a future "regular 9-to-5".
2005: Reality Series Shaquille
In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal had a reality series on ESPN, Shaquille, and hosted a series called Shaq's Big Challenge on ABC.
2006: Appears in NBA Ballers: Phenom
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in NBA Ballers: Phenom.
2007: Appearance on Idol Gives Back
In 2007, O'Neal appeared on the first Idol Gives Back.
2007: Host of Shaq's Big Challenge
In 2007, O'Neal hosted Shaq's Big Challenge, a reality show on ABC where he challenged Florida kids to lose weight and stay in shape.
June 17, 2009: Challenges Choi Hong-man to MMA Fight
On June 17, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal challenged kickboxer and mixed martial artist Choi Hong-man to a mixed martial arts rules bout in a YouTube video.
August 18, 2009: Premiere of Shaq Vs.
On August 18, 2009, the reality show Shaq Vs., featuring O'Neal competing against other athletes, premiered on ABC.
2009: Sportscaster Training and Film Studies
In 2009, O'Neal attended the Sportscaster U. training camp at Syracuse University and studied directing and cinematography with the New York Film Academy's Filmmaking Conservatory.
August 28, 2010: Reiterates Desire to Fight Choi Hong-man
On August 28, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal reiterated his desire to fight Choi Hong-man in an interview at UFC 118 in Boston.
December 20, 2010: Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra
On December 20, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra at the Boston Symphony Hall.
2010: Unlockable Character in UFC Undisputed 2010
In 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was also an unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010.
2011: Becomes a Freemason
Shaquille O'Neal became a Freemason in 2011, joining Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston.
September 2012: Guest Appearance on TNA's Impact Wrestling
In September 2012, Shaquille O'Neal made a guest appearance on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)'s Impact Wrestling program, featuring in a backstage segment with Hulk Hogan.
2012: Doctorate from Barry University
In 2012, O'Neal received his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University, with his doctoral capstone topic being "The Duality of Humor and Aggression in Leadership Styles".
September 10, 2013: Stepfather Philip Arthur Harrison Dies
On September 10, 2013, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, Philip Arthur Harrison, died of a heart attack.
2013: Death of Phillip Arthur Harrison
In 2013, Phillip Arthur Harrison, O'Neal's stepfather, passed away. This event led to O'Neal reevaluating his relationship with his biological father.
2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his influence beyond playing basketball.
2013: Endorses Chris Christie in Reelection Bid
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal endorsed Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie in his reelection bid, appearing in a television advertisement.
2013: Voice Over Role in The Smurfs 2
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal had a voice over role in the film The Smurfs 2.
January 11, 2014: Performs Ceremonial First Puck for New Jersey Devils
On January 11, 2014, Shaquille O'Neal performed the ceremonial first puck and drove a Zamboni for a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers.
2014: Animated Role in Uncle Grandpa and The Lego Movie
In 2014, Shaquille O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in Uncle Grandpa in the episode "Perfect Kid" and in the Lego Movie.
September 2015: Joins South Korean Variety Show "Off to School"
In September 2015, Shaquille O'Neal joined the cast of the South Korean variety television show "Off to School" while promoting Reebok in South Korea. He attended Seo Incheon High School as a student for three days as part of the show.
March 2016: Meeting with Biological Father
In March 2016, Shaquille O'Neal met his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time after decades of estrangement, expressing forgiveness.
April 2016: Participates in André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32
In April 2016, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, eliminating Damien Sandow and confronting Big Show.
September 2016: O'Neal Reflects on 2010 Playoffs
In September 2016, O'Neal reflected on the 2010 playoffs, saying he believes the Cavaliers would have won a championship if he had not been injured.
2016: Lip Sync Battle Performance
In 2016, O'Neal lip synced "Love Shack" on Lip Sync Battle, which host LL Cool J noted was a "love song to himself".
2016: Purchases Compound in McDonough, Georgia
In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre compound in McDonough, Georgia, for $1.15 million.
January 2017: Proposed Match Against Big Show at WrestleMania 33 Cancelled
In January 2017, after weeks of discussion and social media call-outs, the proposed match between Shaquille O'Neal and Big Show at WrestleMania 33 was cancelled.
2018: Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn Release
In 2018, The sequel to the original Shaq Fu game, Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, was released.
November 11, 2020: Teased Arrival in All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
On November 11, 2020, Jade Cargill interrupted Cody Rhodes on AEW Dynamite and teased the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
2020: Votes for the First Time During Presidential Election
In 2020, Shaquille O'Neal voted for the first time during the presidential election and participated in a virtual rally for then-candidate Joe Biden.
March 3, 2021: Teams with Jade Cargill to Defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in AEW
On March 3, 2021, Shaquille O'Neal teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on AEW Dynamite, paying tribute to Brodie Lee during the match.
2022: Shaqtoberfest Premieres
In 2022, Shaqtoberfest, Shaquille O'Neal's Halloween event, premiered in Long Beach.
2022: End of Sacramento Kings Ownership
In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal ended his time as a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.
July 2023: Purchases Private Jet
In July 2023, Shaquille O'Neal purchased his first private jet, a $27 million Bombardier Challenger 650, complete with the iconic "Dunkman" logo on the tail.
2023: Chael Sonnen attempts to arrange grappling match with Georges St-Pierre
In 2023, Chael Sonnen revealed that he once attempted to arrange a grappling match between Shaquille O'Neal and multiple-time UFC world champion Georges St-Pierre.
2024: Collaborated with Fortnite
In 2024, Shaquille O'Neal collaborated with Fortnite to appear as player skins, including his DJ Diesel persona and rendition as LEGO minifigure in LEGO Fortnite.
