Shaquille O'Neal autographed sneaker

Basketball player Shaquille O'Neal is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. He was one of the largest players in NBA history, measuring seven feet, one inch tall and weighing 325 pounds. He also had one of the largest shoes – a size 22. In his rookie year, Shaq signed a $15 million contract with Reebok and wore the brand in the first five years of his NBA career.

Before Shaquille O’Neal became one of the best centers in NBA history, he was a star player for the Robert G. Cole High School Cougars in San Antonio, Texas. At 6 foot 10 inches tall, 230 pounds, and still growing, he was dominant on the court. O’Neal led the Cougars to a two-year record of 68 wins and only one loss and the Class AAA 1989 state championship. He went on to play for Louisiana State University for two years, where he was a two-time All American, two-time Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, and NCAA 1991 men’s basketball player of the year.

In 1992, Shaq was drafted by the Orlando Magic and earned Rookie of the Year honors that season. He played for six teams over his illustrious 19 year NBA career and won four NBA championships, three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat. Among his individual accolades are a NBA Most Valuable Player award, 15 NBA All Star selections, three Finals MVP awards and two scoring titles. He ranks among the top-ten players ever with over 28,000 points scored in his career.

Off the court, O’Neal is known for his sociable personality and generous charitable work. As an actor he starred in movies, television shows, and advertisements. Shaq is also a musician, philanthropist, active businessman and investor, and on-air analyst for Inside the NBA.