With his impressive size and physique, Shaquille O’Neal would have made an amazing football player. He was one of the most dominant players to play in the NBA. With his enormous stature, the athlete could have done some damage on the football fields as well. But have you ever wondered why Shaq never played football? 

The big man has always stayed close to football. He is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. The NBA player-turned analyst is actively following the sport every week of the season. Ever since childhood, he wanted to play football. But due to some unfortunate events in high school, Shaq could not pursue that dream. 

Why did Shaquille O’Neal quit football? 

Before Shaquille O’Neal dominated the courts, he always wanted to be a football star. The four-time NBA champion played football all throughout his childhood. He even played the game in high school. In an interview with Prime Time Deion Sanders in which he gave an insight into his football career. 

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Sanders asked O’Neal that being a dominating big man, didn’t he ever feel like playing football? And what position would he have played? Shaq replied, “I was a hell of a tight end in high school. I got the Odell Beckham/ Deion Sanders hands.” He adds, “My motto is “If I can touch it, I can catch it.” And actually, I started off playing football, and then a small guy hit me in my leg. Messed my knee for six weeks. While I’m at home, depressed, worrying about my life, figuring out what I’m gonna try to do? I saw an article that Jon Koncak got $15 (million) for 3 (years)! I ain’t the smartest guy in the room, but I know 15 divided by three is 5 a year. So I said, You know, I’m gonna start playing basketball.”

Maybe playing basketball was the right call for the big man. But imagine if his knee never got injured, we might have gotten a pretty amazing TE. 

Shaq’s successful NBA career

Shaquille O’Neal has played in the NBA for 19 seasons. He is arguably one of the best players in the history of the game. Shaq made his debut in 1992. The 7 ft 1 in giant has won the NBA championship four times. 

In his prime, Shaq was a force to be reckoned with. Nobody moved like he did on the court. Things could have been different if he played in the NFL. But it has been fun seeing him dominate the court. 

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