Most people would have a hard time walking through an airport without noticing Shaquille O’Neal. At 7-foot-1, the Hall of Famer tends to stand out just a little.
But despite being one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet, Shaq insists he doesn’t see himself as a celebrity.
In a recent interview, the four-time NBA champion made it clear that he wants nothing to do with what many people think of as “celebrity culture.” He explained that he considers himself just a regular person and doesn’t like being grouped together with stars who come across as rude, distant, or full of themselves.
If you’ve followed Shaq over the years, that probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
Whether he’s surprising families with random acts of kindness, joking around on television, or stopping to chat with fans, Shaq has built a reputation for staying approachable despite decades in the spotlight. That’s a big reason so many people continue to root for him long after his playing days ended.
Of course, “regular person” might not be the first phrase that comes to mind when describing someone who has accomplished as much as Shaq has.
Since retiring from the NBA in 2011 after an incredible 19-season career, he’s stayed busier than ever. Basketball fans know him as one of the faces of TNT’s NBA coverage, but that’s only one item on a very long résumé.
He’s become a successful businessman, investor, television personality, entrepreneur, and even a touring DJ known as DJ Diesel, bringing high-energy electronic music performances to audiences around the world. Somehow, he always seems to find another lane to explore.
His latest adventure takes him into the world of true crime.
Shaq is serving as executive producer of the new series Game Day Murders, which combines two subjects he’s long been fascinated by: sports and crime investigations.
He says the series explores tragic cases connected to both college and professional sports, while always keeping the focus where it belongs—on honoring the victims and the families affected. Rather than simply retelling shocking stories, the goal is to show how communities come together during incredibly difficult times.
It’s another example of Shaq branching out into something completely different while staying true to the thoughtful, curious personality fans have come to appreciate.
One thing that has always separated Shaq from many other sports icons is his willingness to keep learning, trying new things, and connecting with people from all walks of life. Whether he’s behind a DJ booth, in a television studio, investing in businesses, or producing a documentary series, he seems happiest when he’s creating something meaningful—and having a little fun along the way.
So while Shaq may never convince the world that he isn’t a celebrity, he has managed to accomplish something even more impressive: staying relatable in a world where fame often changes people.
And that’s one title even the Big Diesel would probably be happy to accept.