Shaquille O’Neal has been associated with the sneakers brand Reebok since 1992. While the biggest athletes were going with either Nike or Adidas, Big Shaq went on a different path by signing with Reebok. This was, of course, a glorious moment, leading to a billion-dollar breakthrough for the company.

Recently, the brand’s official page shared a reel featuring the Big Diesel. The short video offers an insight into the story behind the bestselling sneakers by Reebok, Shaqnosis.

Shaquille O’Neal reveals the inspiration behind the iconic Shaqnosis

The former Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal is without a doubt one of the NBA’s most divisive players. Shaq, known for his unrivaled dominance on the court, was a sight to behold during games. His charismatic demeanor and larger-than-life persona set him apart from other athletes. It made him an intriguing figure off the court, proving to be more important than his basketball skills.

Shaq created an enduring impression on the game and is still regarded as an iconic figure in sports. This is all thanks to his unequaled combination of talent and flair. Recently, he revealed the inspiration behind the design for his iconic Shaqnosis on social media.

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In an intriguing disclosure, Shaq revealed that the enduring idea for the Reebok Shaqnosis sneaker struck him while he was half asleep in front of the television. The opening sequence of The Twilight Zone caught his eye, and the mesmerizing spiral inspired the distinctive upper pattern for the shoe.

A shoe that would go on to become a true classic in the world of sports footwear was born because of this fortunate circumstance.

Shaq’s journey from sponsorship to part ownership

The 4x NBA champions’ journey from sponsorship to acquiring a stake in Reebok is evidence of his tenacity and business savvy. Beyond his great basketball abilities, he demonstrated over the years that he is a shrewd entrepreneur.

Shaq, who now sits at an approximately $400 million net worth, signed a multi-year contract with the sportswear giant Reebok in 1992. The deal earned him an annual compensation of $15 million apart from his NBA pay. This was his first significant business transaction.

Shaq entered into a number of economic initiatives following his successful association with Reebok. Few ventures included his investments in real estate, eateries, and technological firms. His varied portfolio demonstrates his eagerness to investigate various markets and prospects.

Over the past three decades, Shaq held on to his passion for becoming a part-owner of Reebok, waiting for the right opportunity to arise. Thanks to his involvement with the Authentic Brands Group, he has secured a part ownership in the company.

Throughout his career, he has surely attracted investment opportunities and endorsements due to his outsized personality and popularity both on and off the court. Shaq is a popular personality in the entertainment and advertising industries due to his charm and charisma.

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