While NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal earned a lot of success on the court, it’s safe to say his life off it has been more successful. From his businesses to his family, the 51-year-old has done brilliantly. Even though his marriage didn’t work out for long, he shares a great relationship with his children, which extends throughout the family. Barely a few weeks after O’Neal’s lesser-known son highlighted his basketball jerseys hanging in his grandmother’s house, he took to social media to pay tribute to the first man that his mother ever came to love.

The former couple may be separated, but they remain on good terms. This has allowed their children to continue maintaining a loving and wholesome relationship with both their parents.

Shaquille O’Neal’s son pays a beautiful tribute

A few hours ago, Shareef O’Neal took to his official Instagram handle to share a story with his 2.8 million followers. It featured a tattoo on his arm that bore a lifelike resemblance to an elderly man. The man is none other than Shareef’s grandfather. The young O’Neal got the tattoo almost a year and a half after his grandfather passed away.

Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson, credited her father as the first man she ever loved after his passing. With Shareef’s latest tattoo, it is clear to see the impact the man had on the O’Neal household. Nevertheless, this is not the first tattoo the 23-year-old has got. During an interview with ‘Daily Bruin’, the 23-year-old credits the ink art on his body as painting a picture of his personal journey.

“I feel like they tell a story, and I’m a big art guy,” said Shareef O’Neal. “I like art, I like it enough to put it on my body. And yeah, I’m not the best at doing it, but I just like seeing it.” Shareef’s latest story displaying his new ink shows the love the family shares.

This exceptional work of art was created by Clifford Chen, a tattoo artist who previously used to work for the Los Angeles Lakers. The artist has collaborated with various basketball players in his work, including Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade himself.

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Shareef’s grandfather may have been a big part of the rising star’s life. This is the reason why he chose to pay tribute to the old man in a manner that would ensure that the memories associated with him continue to live on.

Shaunie Henderson shared a heartfelt message on the day of her father’s demise

Back in March 2022, Shaunie took to social media to announce her father’s demise. In the caption accompanying a heartfelt video, the ‘Basketball Wives’ star mentioned how her father “loved a good time”, stating that he was someone who had “laughs mixed with him ‘kickin some knowledge.’” Crediting him for leaving many beautiful memories behind, Shaunie stated that she will continue to maintain the goal of loving her father.

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Shaunie’s father passed away barely two months before she was set to walk down the aisle and marry Pastor Keion Henderson. While he may not have been present on the special occasion, he remained in his daughter’s mind throughout the day.