“First of all, I just wanted to say I’m so proud of you, and I love you.” Remember when the Hall of Famer said this during a segment of Inside the NBA? That’s right, it was just ahead of Me’Arah’s McDonald’s All-American game. He also presented her with jersey No. 24. It is no news that the great Shaquille O’Neal becomes a cinnamon roll when it comes to his kids. So, it is not so surprising that he gets emotional seeing his daughter’s face on a trade card. However, one member of the O’Neal family doesn’t seem to be ‘pleased’ with it.

As you know, Topps is at the top of the hierarchy when it comes to producing athletes’ limited cards. The card giant’s collectibles include those of Shaq’s, Michael Jordan’s and LeBron’s rookie days. Needless to say, they are auctioned at very high prices even in the present time. Of course, we are talking about legends here. But this time, they have a surprise for the Big Aristotle. And it has to do with the Gators’ very own guard! That’s right, Me’Arah made her official debut in the Topps’ trading cards’ section.

In an Instagram video posted by Topps’ official handle, Adam Lefkoe, the co-host of The Big Podcast with Shaq, showed the NBA legend a trading card. Yes, Me’Arah O’ Neal’s very first appearance on it! And Shaq couldn’t be prouder of his ‘baby girl’. On being asked, Adam explained that it was from her 2024 McDonald’s All-American game. And above all, he taught Me’Arah how to sign the autograph! The mammoth couldn’t help but be moved by this gesture. Fans flocked to the comment section, gushing over the relationship that Shaq maintains with his children. Among the many, one particular commenter caught the eye. Can you guess? Yes, DailyVee’s host, Gary Vee. And fans totally relate to his comments, “So nice” and “Auayayayayaya”.

Reposting the video on his Instagram handle @pillowman305, Ricky teased his friend Taahirah, Shaq’s oldest daughter. He wrote, “@taahirahoneal card wouldn’t be worth a scratch off 😩😂”. Taahirah felt betrayed by her friend’s comment. Of course, jokingly. As a response, she pulled out a post from 2019 that had the caption, “I’ve been very consistent in my distaste for sports.” And she further clarifies that she still does ‘very’ much. But we all know how supportive she is of her siblings, who are making their way in the basketball world.

Fans just won’t stop praising Shaquille O’Neal for being the ‘Best Dad’ ever

The relationship that Shaq share with his fans isn’t something that has dimmed. Not even the slightest in the past 30 or more years. He is still a fan-favorite in the league. One follower commented, “Such a wholesome moment.” With another fan chiming in, “So cool. Good job Dad!” Shaq has always been the Dad who ‘always shows up’. On a TNT segment, Shaq talked about his daughter Me’Arah’s growth on the court while discussing about the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Girls Game. Me’Arah scored 12 points and 6 REB in the game which is pretty impressive. Well, he’s just a big man who isn’t afraid of showing all his emotions.

Amid all the similar praises, one fan pointed out, “He didn’t even care when they pulled his own card from a 1990 box when he was a laker.” You may ask — but he wasn’t even in the league then. It’s the 1990s and 1996 to be precise. Mind you, Shaq’s rookie cards command exorbitant prices on the market. Yes, even now. Safe to say, it is an investment for many collectors.

Besides, there are some followers who want to see the father-daughter duo engage in a showdown at the court. They wrote, “I wonder who would win in a 1 on 1.” Like her father, Me’Arah possesses great defensive prowess. And growing up under the guidance of her father, it would indeed be an impressive game. But at the end of the day, Shaquille O’Neal is the great Shaq. So, do we guess who would win or do we know?