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Shaquille O'Neal's Father Made a Dying Wish - and Leaves His Family With a Priceless Gift
Shaq honors his dad's dying wish and takes care of his family
Uplifting News

Shaquille O'Neal's Father Made a Dying Wish - and Leaves His Family With a Priceless Gift

By delivering on his dad's dying wishes, NBA star Shaquille O'Neal reminds us all that the most valuable thing we pass on to our kids is priceless.

You can bet that looking back, Hall of Fame basketball behemoth Shaquille O'Neal has many friends, coaches, and teammates to thank for his massive success. Yet, there's none bigger than Phillip Harrison, who married his mother Lucille O’Neal when Shaq was just two. 

The Person Who Was Shaquille O’Neal’s Biggest Influence

a ball with
Photo by Edgar Chaparro on Unsplash

Speaking with TNT, O'Neal recalls his drill sergeant dad using a stern hand to keep him out of trouble. "My father used to come to class and whoop me in front of everybody. Yeah. Long time ago. But, I was a major, high-level juvenile delinquent that could've definitely been in trouble all the time."


RELATED: Shaq Noticed a Family of 11 Was Having Car Trouble - And Did Something Unbelievable

With a little introspection, O'Neal was thankful for it, adding, "that's why he knew that all the tactics he used on me would definitely work. And it did work."

However, it would take one tragic event to show just how strong and magical his father's impact actually was.

The Big Decision Shaquille O’Neal Had to Make After His Dad Died

Shaq was rocked by tragedy when his father passed away. With it, his father's impact on his discipline, success, and values -- as a player and as a person -- truly hit home. It was a jarring blow even for the man nicknamed 'Superman.'

RELATED: Dejected Teen NBA Prospect Can't Find Prom Outfit - So Shaq Does Something Amazing

Yet O'Neal would have a chance to thank his father, even though he wouldn't be around to see it. Shaq explained that before passing, Harrison asked him to make a promise to take care of his family. 

My father taught me not to really cry and be sad, so when he passed away I really let it go, because I didn't get to tell him thank you enough.

Shaquille O'Neal

As he's done so many times on the court, O'Neal stepped up, using that as motivation to honor his memory in an unforgettable fashion.

How Shaquille O’Neal Proved That Love Is Life’s Biggest Inheritance

From that moment forward, the O'Neal family franchise was in good hands.

So now that the don is gone, second in charge, which is me, I protect them and provide for my family. My brother's and sister's family. My mother's family. It's what you got to do.

Shaquille O'Neal

Above all, Shaq's biggest gift to them is the same love and support he showers his six children.

RELATED: Shaq Finds Way To Spread Kindness Again, This Time Helping A Struggling Mom Buy A Laptop

Strict as he was, it’s clear that Shaq’s father left a legacy that will live on. It proves that the most priceless thing you can leave your children are values that enrich others. That's the kind of highlight reel we should all strive for.

There's no doubt that Shaq has made his father proud.

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