Shaquille O’Neal has lived a life most people could only dream of. NBA championships. MVP trophies. Global fame. Successful businesses. DJ gigs. Television stardom. Philanthropy on a massive scale.
And yet, somehow, there’s still one adrenaline-filled experience missing from Shaq’s resume.
Skydiving.
In an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints following one of his recent Shaq-A-Claus charity events, the NBA legend revealed that despite his fearless reputation and love for big experiences, he has never jumped out of an airplane.
Considering everything Shaq has done — from dominating NBA centers to performing as DJ Diesel on festival stages — that confession came as a surprise. But it also perfectly fits the playful, curious spirit that has defined Shaq’s post-basketball life.
These days, O’Neal keeps busier than most people half his age. He’s a staple on ESPN’s Inside the NBA, one of the most recognizable faces in sports media. He tours as a DJ, explores new business ventures, runs the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, and still finds time to show up in communities across the country.
One of the most meaningful ways he gives back is through Shaq-A-Claus, his annual holiday tradition that brings gifts, joy, and unforgettable memories to underserved children. Earlier this year, Shaq hosted another Shaq-A-Claus event at Fairview Elementary School in Stockbridge, Georgia, transforming the school into a celebration of generosity and fun.
For Shaq, the event is deeply personal.
“I once read a stat that 15 million kids wake up on Christmas Day without one single toy,” O’Neal told ClutchPoints. “I actually know how that felt, so we wanted to just honor my mother’s wishes and make kids happy. I like making kids smile. Everybody knows Shaq loves the kids, so we just want to make them fly.”
The inspiration behind Shaq-A-Claus came directly from his mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, who has long been the guiding force behind his generosity.
“She wanted me to come with her to where she was going to hand out toys to 5,000 kids,” Shaq recalled. “And I said, ‘You can’t do that. I’ll take care of it.’ Me and my boys got a U-Haul truck, went to Toys ‘R’ Us, and just kind of wiped them out. And that’s how Shaq-A-Claus got started.”
True to form, Shaq took the idea and made it bigger.
“I only do things one way — BIG,” he said. “Big toys, big smiles, and big holiday energy. But the heart of Shaq-A-Claus is even bigger than the gifts. It’s about showing these kids they’re seen, supported, and believed in.”
That same love for fun and connection has followed Shaq throughout his life. From racing go-karts and collecting exotic cars to DJing massive festivals and cracking jokes on live television, Shaq has always embraced joy as part of his identity.
Skydiving may still be unchecked on his bucket list — for now — but knowing Shaq, it’s probably only a matter of time before he goes all in, at 10,000 feet, with a smile on his face.