Allen Iverson continues to make an impact beyond basketball. In October 2023, he teamed up with Shaquille O’Neal as Reebok’s Vice President of Basketball. This marked his return to the brand that fueled his legendary career. Shaq couldn’t have been more excited, declaring, “We’re back, baby! Get ready.” And now, Iverson and Reebok are stepping into the golf world,

How? With The “Question Golf” series. It’s a fresh take on Iverson’s iconic sneaker, blending street culture with the fairways. As teh announcement came, Sneakerheads went crazy over it, but the buzz didn’t last. As the hype settled, critics started questioning the brand’s strategy. Instead of a slam dunk, it felt more like a missed putt.

Still, Iverson isn’t one to back down. Now, he’s taking another page from Shaq’s book—but this time, it’s personal. He’s stepping into the Leaders & Legends event, a stage where basketball’s biggest names inspire the next generation. Shaq’s been there, and Charles Barkley has played a major role too, delivering keynote speeches at events like the one in Huntsville, Alabama. And now, it’s Iverson’s turn.

“Through the years, we’ve seen Shaquille O’Neal, Evander Holyfield, Cam Newton, Charles Barkley, and Jerry Rice come to the Rocket City, and this year, they’ll be joined by another Pro Sports Hall of Famer,” FOX54 News Huntsville news host revealed. “Allen Iverson will make his way to the Rocket City on July the 10th (2025).”

But it’s not just about the event. In the news clip, Patrick Wynn, President of the Boys and Girls Club of North Alabama, emphasizes why Iverson’s presence matters. “Allen Iverson, he embodies the message that we gotta try to get out to our kids. You know, despite your odds, you still can be successful. You stay the course and stay on the right path, and so he’ll do that for our kids.”

After all, the Boys and Girls Club played a major role in Iverson’s journey. It wasn’t just a place to play basketball; it was where he found structure, a second family, and the confidence to dream beyond the court. Now, years later, he’s returning to give back to the community that once shaped him.

Allen Iverson’s deep-rooted bond with the Boys & Girls Club

Allen Iverson has always been vocal about his love for the Boys & Girls Club—a place that shaped him long before he became “The Answer.” “It means everything to me,” Iverson once said. “I’m from here. Obviously, I was one of these kids.” His connection runs deep, and Hal Smith, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, has seen it firsthand.

“Allen grew up in this Boys and Girls Club. This is where he learned to play sports and learned to grow,” Smith shared.

So, it wasn’t surprising when Iverson showed up at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center in Louisville for the third annual Sneaker Ball just a few days ago. AI headlined the event, bringing together sports, culture, and community. He took the stage to share stories of his youth. He highlighted how the Boys & Girls Club played a major role in keeping him on the right path.

Iverson understands just how pivotal the Boys & Girls Club was in shaping his path. “Where I grew up, in the rough area that I grew up in, from the time that I got out of school… so many things can happen, so many temptations,” he recalled, as per WLKY. “And the Boys and Girls Club was an outlet for me… for that time. For me to do something positive.” Given the challenges he faced growing up, it was more than just a safe space—it was a lifeline.

Now, Iverson is giving back in a big way. The Sneaker Ball will direct all proceeds to support four traditional Boys & Girls Clubs in West Louisville and two new school-based sites at Breckinridge-Franklin and Engelhard Elementary.

For Iverson, this is a full-circle moment. The same Boys & Girls Club that once gave him direction is now the organization he’s championing, ensuring the next generation has the same opportunities he did. Whether on the court or in the community, Iverson remains ‘The Answer.” Not just for basketball, but for those looking for hope