By: Zixian Huang

Remember the flamboyant basketball star Shaquille O’Neal? The one who completely rewrote the definition of a retired athlete…

Usually, after a professional athlete retires, they opt for new careers that they can apply their sports knowledge to. A lot of former sports players become coaches for future sports legends, or help other people improve their fitness as a fitness trainer. With extra training, they could also become a physical therapist, dietician, or nutritionist. Not Shaq.

After retiring from professional basketball, Shaquille O’Neal has been involved in various activities and pursuits, almost all of which keep him firmly in the public eye. In fact, his ventures are so varied and impressive, that the following list isn’t even comprehensive.

1. Television & media: Shaq became a regular NBA analyst on the popular tv show “Inside the NBA” along with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley. He provided expert analysis, shared insights, and entertained viewers with his charismatic personality.

2. Acting & Entertainment: O’Neal pursued a career in acting and appeared in several movies, including comedies like “Grown Ups 2” and “The Lego Movie.” He also had roles in action films such as “Steel” and “Scary Movie 4.” Additionally, he made guest appearances on TV shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Fresh Off the Boat.”

3. Music: Shaq released many rap albums during his career, including “Shaq Diesel”, “Respect”, and “You Can’t Stop the Reign.” He collaborated with renowned artists like Jay-Z, RZA, and the Notorious B.I.G. Although his music career didn’t reach the same heights as his basketball one, it showcased his versatility and love for the art form.

4. Business Ventures: O’Neal ventured into various business endeavors. He owns a total of 50 brands in different industries, ranging from fitness, to car washes, to restaurants. He has also made a fortune making smart investments in large companies like Google, and real estate, owning properties in different locations.

5. Author & Influencer: Shaq has authored many books, including his autobiography “Shaq Talks Back” and a series of children’s books called “Little Shaq.” He has also embraced social media platforms and has a huge number of followers, where he shares insights, humor, and engages with his fans.

This is all extra stuff I took out:

However, some athletes may use the skills they learned from years of playing sports, and apply that to their new career. According to sports writer Natalia Aliucova, “After years of training, they are no stranger to the value of discipline and consistency; they strive for perfection and achievement and are highly motivated individuals. Athletes who got to compete internationally have had the opportunity to network with people across the globe and are well-traveled and adaptable.” These traits aid in a career in sales, and athletes who saved up during their sporting career may also start investing. While still others may pursue education, since the rapid upward move in their sports career may have cut it short. Now, back to Shaq…