What is the first impression of someone meeting one of the greatest basketball centers of all time, Shaquille O’Neal? It’s undoubtedly his massive physique! Standing at 7’1″, his towering presence alone is enough to intimidate others, and throughout his career, the four-time NBA champion used his physicality to dominate opponents. Even decades after his retirement, Shaq’s imposing stature still can make people feel small in his presence.

However, despite his size, O’Neal is far from that description. Known for his down-to-earth demeanor, he connects his larger-than-life appearance with a genuinely approachable nature. Famous ring girl Sydney Thomas shared a similar experience, gaining significant attention during last year’s high-profile boxing match between Mike Tyson and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.

The event drew attention for various reasons, but the spotlight shifted when the 20-year-old University of Alabama student caught everyone’s eye during the pre-fight weigh-in. With her blonde hair and radiant smile, she captivated fans, quickly becoming a social media sensation. Some even dubbed her the “real winner” of the fight. Recently, Sydney appeared on the ‘Like a Farmer’ podcast on YouTube, where she shared untold stories from her life.

During the conversation, the host asked her, “Who’s the coolest person you’ve met since everything’s blown up?” Sydney recalled meeting Shaquille O’Neal, who was also at the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight at AT&T Stadium in Texas. She responded, “Oh gosh, I think it was cool to meet Shaquille O’Neal. He was at the fight, and I met him there. He’s just insanely huge. I was like, ‘You’re even bigger in person!’ But just a cool dude. He walked by and was like, ‘What’s up?’ I’m like, ‘W—hey.”

Despite his imposing stature, people know O’Neal as one of the most humble and down-to-earth figures in sports. He consistently goes out of his way to help those in need, demonstrating kindness whenever possible. O’Neal also runs the ‘Shaquille O’Neal Foundation,’ which aims to create pathways for youth.

Recently, headlines featured a story of Shaq assisting a homeless person. The host of a show reflected on O’Neal’s generosity, saying, “The stories you hear about that guy are just unbelievable. He’ll walk into a restaurant and pay for a family’s dinner. Yeah, that guy is definitely a class act.”

What is Shaquille O’Neal’s approach to aiding the homeless?

Shaquille O’Neal once jokingly said, “You know my name now? It’s Shaq O’Neal. I’m way better than Michael Jordan. You got it? ‘Cause I’m handing out free pizza. Okay?… I’m better than Michael Jordan.” This playful comment came as he confidently mixed up his name with that of the basketball legend, Michael Jordan. Owing to his larger-than-life persona, Shaq has earned the nickname ‘Santa Claus’ due to his generosity. He frequently embodies the spirit of giving, a value he strongly believes in, thanks to the influence of his stepfather, an Army sergeant, who helped guide him toward a path of compassion.

Today, ‘Diesel’ uses his vast resources to not only make his parents proud but also to make a positive impact through humanitarian and philanthropic efforts. Recently, he received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year award for his dedication to social causes. However, Shaq doesn’t simply give money to help others and this wasn’t always his approach, though. So, what prompted the change in his perspective?

A pivotal experience shaped Shaquille O’Neal’s new philosophy, one that he shares in his 2011 biography Shaq Uncut: My Story. In it, he recounts, “I gave a guy some money, and then I saw him go into the liquor store and buy booze with the money I’d just given him. I couldn’t be angry. It was my fault, really. Another time, some homeless guy asked me to help him out because he was hungry, so I gave him a wad of bills. Then I’m driving around, and he and some other guy are making an exchange.”

With his larger-than-life persona, Shaquille O’Neal has undoubtedly become one of the most golden-hearted figures in sports history. Driven by his experiences and personal growth, he’s now more determined than ever to make a difference, focusing on doing good deeds whenever possible, alongside his business ventures. Stay tuned for more updates.