When it comes to sports greatness, Shaquille O’Neal’s name belongs in any conversation about dominance, legacy, and pure impact. But apparently, not everyone agrees — including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
In a lighthearted video posted by the Chiefs’ social media team this week, Mahomes was asked to pick between a few NBA legends. When the matchup came down to Kevin Durant vs. Shaquille O’Neal, Mahomes made his call quickly — and confidently.
“I’m taking KD,” he said with a grin. “Longevity gives it to him.”
That one sentence sent shockwaves through fans of both the NFL and NBA. Within minutes, social media lit up with reactions — and let’s just say, Team Shaq was not amused.
“Longevity?” one fan replied on X. “Shaq was longevity. He dominated for two decades and changed the game.” Another wrote, “Mahomes is great, but this take is an offensive foul.”
To be fair, Mahomes wasn’t disrespecting the Big Diesel — he was simply giving Durant the edge for his sustained scoring brilliance and extended prime. Still, choosing anyone over Shaq is bound to stir emotions.
After all, O’Neal isn’t just a Hall of Famer — he’s a cultural institution. Four NBA championships, an MVP award, 15 All-Star appearances, and a larger-than-life personality that continues to shape pop culture years after his retirement. Whether he’s breaking backboards, dropping platinum rap albums, or dropping one-liners on Inside the NBA, Shaq remains a force of nature.
Fans quickly pointed out that comparing Durant’s longevity to Shaq’s dominance misses the bigger picture. Shaq didn’t just play — he redefined the center position. From Orlando to Los Angeles to Miami, O’Neal was a freight train in sneakers, demanding double- and triple-teams every night.
Even Mahomes’ own followers couldn’t resist poking fun. “Mahomes better hope Shaq doesn’t see this,” one joked. “He’ll be throwing Chiefs linemen like they’re basketballs.”
Of course, Shaq himself has yet to respond — but knowing the Big Aristotle’s playful nature, he’s probably already planning a humorous comeback. O’Neal is famous for responding to critics with grace and a grin, and his social media is full of good-natured jabs at anyone who dares challenge his basketball crown.
In the end, Mahomes’ pick was harmless — a fun offseason moment that turned into a debate between two eras of greatness. But it’s also a reminder that Shaq’s legend still looms large. Even when the conversation isn’t about him, it becomes about him. That’s what true icons do.
So, while Mahomes might be the face of football’s modern dynasty, he may have learned one thing this week:
When you pick against Shaq… the internet always notices.