Typically, a 2x Super Bowl champion isn’t short of mainstream opportunities. Whether it be endorsements or media opportunities, he tends to be a popular name in demand. However, for one such individual, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal became a blessing in disguise. While dominant on the court, the Los Angeles Lakers legend is also a genuine household name today. So, a friend and fellow champion took advantage of that clout. As a result, his own career took a gigantic leap forward.

Whether in movies, music, or entertainment, the 4x NBA champion’s mark is in every sector.

Shaquille O’Neal kickstarting other’s careers now?

2x Super Bowl champion and former Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Charlie Batch joined his ex-teammate on the Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast recently. They discussed the Steelers’ chances this year among various other topics. However, what surprised viewers was the mention of Batch betraying Ben for Shaquille O’Neal.

Batch revealed the entire scenario. “I actually talked my way into actually being a part of a series back in 2009. Whenever some dude named Shaq – Shaquille O’Neal decided he was going to do a show.”?

In 2009, Shaq launched the series ‘Shaq Vs.’?where he competed against numerous top athletes in their own sports. The first-ever episode of that series included Big Ben. The 6x Pro Bowler asked Batch to be on his team, to which he agreed. But the role was far too short for Batch.

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“I look at the script and I’m like, ‘Ben, you do realize I only had the press conference and then I’m out?'” As a result, the 2x Super Bowl champion got to scheming with the ideal candidate in O’Neal. “So, I whisper to Shaq and say, ‘Hey, there’s a lot more opportunity on your side that I could be part of the show.’ So, I do the press conference on his side and then they cut and then I jump on and become the quarterback coach for Shaq.”?

As Roethlisberger shook his head at hearing the story again, Batch continued laughing and said he needed the screen time. However, it wasn’t the only time the Pittsburgh Steelers legend did this sort of deal.

Charlies gets exposed

Continuing the conversation, Ben exposed the Detroit Lions draftee. According to him, no other person on the planet could maneuver their way into getting more air time than Charlie and former Steelers trainer John Norwig. Apparently, it was something Ben had to go through a lot with the two.

In the case of Norwig, it was during game time, when running out of the tunnel. But, in the case of Batch, it would be in the middle of games as well. During TV timeouts, the 48-year-old would position himself in a way to get extra TV time.

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While he’s a bona fide legend today, Batch’s demand for screen time got exposed to the nation in a rather direct way. But, it is a former Miami Heat great he has to “thank” for getting the secret out.