The NBA has never seen a player like Shaquille O’Neal in its 77 years of existence. Shaq is arguably the best Center in NBA history, and he put fear in his opponents’ hearts every time they went up against him. When Shaq was not humiliating his opponents on the court, he liked to enjoy the city’s nightlife and food. Shaq’s love for food earned him a lot of brand deals and sponsorships that helped him rake in millions of dollars.

The Hall of Famer even started his restaurant chain ‘Big Chicken’ in 2018 which has expanded to a 25-store venture. However, when asked about his love for fast food, Shaq ditched his own fast food chain to obsess over a $180 billion competitor.

Shaquille O’Neal picks his Number 1 fast-food restaurant

Shaquille O’Neal sat down for an interview with GQ, where he discussed his love for food, among other things. The interviewer asked Shaq if he was a fast-food guy when he was playing in the NBA. Diesel was quick to rate his $180 billion competitor number one.

“Yeah, I get the McDonald’s number one. The McChicken is not in every city,” he revealed. Shaq’s response came as a surprise for the fans as the legend hardly ever publicly appreciates a brand that does not sponsor him. At one point in his career, the Lakers legend even endorsed McDonald’s arch nemesis Burger King. Nonetheless, he has always been a big fan of McDonald’s.

During an episode of his podcast, the 51-year-old said, “When I go to McDonald’s, [my order is] a number one, double cheeseburger and 10 nuggets and a Diet Coke because I’m on the diet. My order never changes… When I go to McDonald’s and order food… and the kids bring it, I’ll give them a $200 tip. I’m not about to go in there and cook it and do it.”

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Maybe now that Shaq has his own restaurant chain, his fast food preference has changed. But as a young player, Shaq loved getting his hands on a McChicken whenever he was on the road. While he never shied away from a good meal, the Los Angeles Lakers icon is now focusing on his health and recently revealed that he has lost 55lbs. However, O’Neal’s connection to the food and beverage industry can’t be understated.

Shaquille O’Neal’s long list of food endorsements

Shaquille O’Neal is a foodie, and he is also one of the most likable guys in the sports world. So, several food and beverage brands were quick to realize the potential of partnering with the 7’1 giant. Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Shaq garnered a long list of endorsements with multi-billion dollar food and beverage brands.

Some of the notable brands that partnered with the Lakers legend include Burger King, Pepsi, Taco Bell, Papa John’s, and Oreo. Shaquille O’Neal has built an empire worth well over $400 million with the help of his countless brand deals and high business acumen. Shaq is one of the most successful athletes in the sports world who has managed to keep his name alive for years after bidding adieu to the game of basketball.

Even though Shaq is adopting a healthier lifestyle, because of his obsession with McDonald’s as a player, the NBA world might even see him in a McDonald’s commercial someday.

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