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Shaq Finds Out One Big Family Was Growing Out of Their 12-Person Van - So He Did Something Unbelievable
Uplifting News

Shaq Finds Out One Big Family Was Growing Out of Their 12-Person Van - So He Did Something Unbelievable

Shaquille O'Neal, a.k.a. the Big Diesel, a.k.a. Shaq, made a pledge last year. Every time he leaves the house, he would try to do something good.“I’m into making people happy. Whenever I leave the house, I just try to do a good deed,” he said.Recently, that good deed manifested as buying an engagement ring for a guy who was shopping for one and giving out 1,000 game consoles for Christmas. A couple of weeks ago, Shaq outdid himself yet again with another unbelievably generous gift.Shaq Took a Family of 11 to Dinner and Bought Them 2 New VehiclesHis good deed started off by taking a family with 9 kids out for dinner (got a big family? Read these family sayings). Feeding that many children and parents is undoubtedly going to cost a pretty penny, but that was just the beginning.Upon learning that the family was growing out of their 12-person van, he took them to a Mercedes dealership and bought them a custom 15-passenger van. "I have no words right now!!! Today Shaq @shaq blessed us like never before," said the Collins family on Instagram. "Like literally no words."Shaq Then Tipped a Waitress $1000 After He Learned About Her Car Trouble But that wasn't the end of it. Shaq also bought them all out for dinner at Rainforest Café and tipped the waitress $1,000 as she was experiencing car trouble. Then, he bought the father a brand new Ford truck because the A/C and heating weren't working in his old one."He also spent time encouraging us and loving on our children and speaking life into our family," the family wrote. "Somebody wake me up because I must be dreaming."Thank you @shaq times a million times!!! You have been such a blessing to us in so many ways.The Collins familyShaquille O’Neal Revealed His Parents Inspired Him to Give BackSpeaking with Gary Vaynerchuk on The Gary Vee Audio Experience podcast, Shaq said this urge to give to others came from his parents."You know for me, coming from where I come from, my father was a drill sergeant, my mother just was a hard-working woman. Didn't have a lot. But they taught me the value of giving back. They taught me the value of helping those in need," Shaq said.So a huge thank you to Shaq's parents, but a special thanks to the big man himself for showing us that kindness knows no bounds.More from Goalcast:Neighbors Call Police on Boys for Playing “Too Loudly” – Shaquille O’Neal Finds Out and Shows Up to Do ThisShaq Visits His Favorite Restaurant With an Unusual Request – Then, He Shocks the Watchful Owner With a SurpriseYoung Boy Sobs in the Middle of a Store – Little Did He Know Shaquille O’Neal Was About to Teach Him a Lesson

Family Runs Into Shaquille ONeal at Home Depot - He Buys Them a Washer and Dryer After One Conversation
Uplifting News

Family Runs Into Shaquille ONeal at Home Depot - He Buys Them a Washer and Dryer After One Conversation

Shaquille O'Neal isn't just one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he also may just be one of the greatest guys EVER. (Move on over Keanu Reeves.)No stranger to philanthropic endeavors, Shaq is known for surprising his fans with some pretty spectacular random acts of kindness.Including his latest; buying a washer and dryer for an unsuspecting family at Home Depot.Shaq’s Random Act of Kindness at Home DepotIn a heartwarming moment captured on video and later shared on social media, Shaq comes navel-to-face with a woman and her mother in the plumbing aisle.Stopping to chat with the duo, he asks them what they're buying. The woman tells him they're there to purchase a washer and dryer. "Okay, well I'm gonna pay for it," Shaq responds. At first, the mother is oblivious. She's too busy telling the NBA legend that she's from Venezuela to hear him. It isn't until her daughter excitedly explains it to her in Spanish that the realization hits. But once it does, her reaction is priceless.While her daughter can't stop laughing, the mother grabs Shaq in a huge hug while simultaneously whipping out her phone for a selfie. "Bless you, bless you, bless you," she tells him.The trio head to the appliances where they meet up with the woman's son and another family member, the mother blessing Shaq with a thousand blessings the entire time.What Was Shaquille O’Neal Doing at Home Depot?Shaq was at Home Depot to film a music video for his new song, "I Know I Got It," released under his music name, DJ Diesel, and featuring Nitti. In the video, Shaq dons the iconic orange Home Depot apron and walks around the store, showing off his rapping (and comedic) skills. He climbs a stepladder, towers over a refrigerator making it look like it belongs in Barbie's dreamhouse, and attempts (and fails) to karate chop a piece of wood.The video also features clips of the family that received the washer and dryer.Additionally, the basketball star-turned-DJ Diesel jokingly references the "Home Depot Girl," aka video content creator Ariana Josephine Cossie.The 21-year-old blew up the internet earlier this month when she posted a picture of herself wearing her Home Depot employee apron on social media. After receiving several sexist comments, Shaq messaged her, encouraging her to ignore the haters. And because haters gonna hate, he also assured fans that his message of encouragement was just that, writing:“Shaq just uplifting people that’s what the diesel do baby I uplift people google me.”Shaquille O'NealShaq’s Legacy of Giving Back When he says he's all about uplifting people, he's not lying. Shaquille O'Neal's philanthropic pursuits are legendary. Throughout his career and beyond, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of others, particularly children and families facing adversity.From founding the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, which focuses on at-risk youth and underserved communities, to personally funding college educations for deserving students, Shaq's generosity knows no bounds. He has also been actively involved in various charitable organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Stand Together Foundation.Not to mention, his numerous random acts of kindness, including buying a family of 11 TWO new cars, paying for a fan's engagement ring, and coming to the rescue of a teen with size 23 feet. Using His Blessings to Bless OthersWhile Shaq may have been a legend on the basketball court, clearly he's a legend off of it too.He believes in the power of giving back, in big ways and in small. Although to him, it's not giving back, it's about doing what you're supposed to do, helping those in need. "I take pride in each and every day by just making one person smile, whether it's one person or whether it's a hundred people or whether it's a thousand people."Shaquille O'Neal via People MagazineAnd while we may not be able to fill his shoes, we can take a page out of his playbook and uplift as many people as we can. More from Goalcast:Shaquille O’Neal Hears a Baby Crying in the Audience During an Event – His Reaction Takes Everyone by SurpriseMan Spots Shaquille O’Neal at Best Buy and Goes to Talk to Him – What He Says Gets Him a New Laptop for FreeTeen Forced to Wear Crocs for an Entire Year Because He Can’t Find Shoes for His Size 23 Feet — Then Shaq Finds Out and Steps In

Shaquille ONeal Hears a Baby Crying in the Audience During an Event - His Reaction Takes Everyone by Surprise
Uplifting News

Shaquille ONeal Hears a Baby Crying in the Audience During an Event - His Reaction Takes Everyone by Surprise

He may be a former basketball star, a hero, and a motivational speaker, but Shaquille O’Neal is also a father. He must have some pretty great stories from raising his six kids over the years, but he probably also misses it. At least that’s the sense fans were left with one day when a baby started crying while Shaq was giving an interview on stage.Shaquille O'Neal Loves BabiesIn a clip posted to Instagram, Shaq was in the middle of an interview when he heard a baby crying from the crowd. “I’m sorry, little baby, where are you? Don’t you cry, you little baby,” he said into the mic.“I love you, I love babies. Can I see that baby? Can you bring that baby up?” he continued.After confirming he was being serious, a mother brought her little girl to the stage, and Shaq held the girl on his lap. The baby immediately stopped crying and peered at the crowd.“Babies love Uncle Shaq. I’m sorry,” he joked. “You wanna go to the club too? Hey, babysitting gonna cost you $200. All right, love you. Love you, baby.” He then asked the child’s name as he was handing her back. “Love you, Mia,” he added.Then, the superstar continued his interview as though nothing had happened.A Family Man Through and ThroughIt’s no secret Shaq is fond of kids; you kind of have to be if you’re a father to six. That’s one of the reasons he remains on good terms with both of his exes, Shaunie O’Neal and Arnetta Yardbourgh: they’re his kids’ moms, after all."I have two wonderful women that have given me beautiful, gorgeous children, I have to protect, and I have to provide, and I have to love them forever," the athlete once said in an episode of The Pivot Podcast.In an interview with the 2 Lies and 1 Truth podcast, Shaq added that his kids have always been the best part of his day. “The best moment is just coming home every day and hearing five, six different voices,” he revealed. “Worst moment is when the separation happened, and they weren't there every day. That was probably my worst moment.”Making a Situation BetterWhile it’s unknown who Mia’s mother is, you can imagine how grateful she was that day when Shaq asked to see her baby. How often do we hear children crying at the grocery store, during a flight, or elsewhere when we’re going about our daily business? And how often do we stop and see whether we can help?Parents know that kids always cause a scene at the worst of times — that’s just a part of being a mom or dad. But when your kid cries during an interview or event like the one this mom was at with Shaq, well, that’s just next-level tough.It’s a little nudge to all of us that sometimes a parent could just use a helping hand, no matter who you are. Whether it’s offering to hold a baby so a parent can eat, taking someone’s kids for a walk to the park so they can catch up on work, household chores, or a nap, or letting those with young kids go ahead of us in line at the store, it takes a village.Even when that village includes Shaq.More from Goalcast:Teen Forced to Wear Crocs for an Entire Year Because He Can’t Find Shoes for His Size 23 Feet — Then Shaq Finds Out and Steps In12-Year-Old Unable to Leave the Hospital After Being Shot – So, Shaquille O’Neal Buys Him a New HouseMan Spots Shaquille O’Neal at Best Buy and Goes to Talk to Him – What He Says Gets Him a New Laptop for Free

Man Spots Shaquille ONeal at Best Buy and Goes to Talk to Him - What He Says Gets Him a New Laptop for Free
Uplifting News

Man Spots Shaquille ONeal at Best Buy and Goes to Talk to Him - What He Says Gets Him a New Laptop for Free

It’s easy to think that celebrities have it all together. So often, we see them living their best lives with lots of cash and fame, not to mention exclusive access to things many of us could only dream of.But celebrities are people too, with real feelings and emotions. Basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal is no exception, so he was particularly grateful one day when fans approached him with compassion.A Celebrity SightingA man named Patrick Martin received the shock of a lifetime one day when he was shopping at a Best Buy store in McDonough, Georgia. As he was looking at the laptops and figuring out which one he should purchase, he saw Shaquille O’Neal in the store.While many people would probably rush the Basketball Hall of Famer and ask for a selfie and gush about their fandom, Martin knew the celebrity had suffered through a rough year.So instead, he approached the man and offered his condolences on the loss of Kobe Bryant and O’Neal’s sister, Ayesha Harrison-Jex, who had recently passed away from cancer.After the exchange, Martin and his friend returned to the laptop section and went about their business.An Unexpected Gesture As Martin was looking at the laptops, he got another surprise: Shaq had come up behind them. As it turns out, the former Lakers player was so moved by the man’s compassion that he wanted to do something nice for him.“We walked off, then Shaq comes to us and says, ‘I like y’all, so get the nicest one in here, and I’ll pay for it,’” Martin recounted in a social media post. In the end, the basketballer bought Martin a new Microsoft Surface Laptop.It’s not the first time Shaq has paid it forward with fans. Over the years, he’s helped a teen with large feet find shoes that fit him, helped a 12-year-old who was unable to leave the hospital by buying him a new house, and helped a struggling mom buy school supplies for her kids, among other kind acts.Everyone Deserves CompassionIt’s always nice to see celebrities, who seem to have so much, go out of their way to give back to their fans and the communities that have supported them. But this story is also a great reminder that everyone in life deserves compassion.Martin had zero expectations that day when he approached a global superstar and offered his condolences. He was just treating him like the human being he is. And Shaq was so touched, he wanted to do something kind back.We never really know what someone else is going through. Sometimes when someone seems to have it all together, they’re actually really hurting inside. That makes it important to treat everyone with compassion and respect and remember that we only know the things we see.Opening our minds and hearts isn’t just a great way to practice compassion and kindness, but it makes our corner of the world a nicer space.

Teen Forced to Wear Crocs for an Entire Year Because He Cant Find Shoes for His Size 23 Feet Then Shaq Finds Out and Steps In
Uplifting News

Teen Forced to Wear Crocs for an Entire Year Because He Cant Find Shoes for His Size 23 Feet Then Shaq Finds Out and Steps In

Any parent knows that trying to keep their growing kids outfitted in properly fitting shoes is a never-ending battle. But for one mom, the struggle is one of record-breaking proportions. Literally.At 14 years old Eric Kilburn Jr. is already nearly 7 feet tall and wearing size 23 shoes. His feet are so large he's in the running to beat the current Guinness World Record for the largest feet of a teenager. A record held by German teen Lars Motza, 16, whose feet are a size 21.In a world where the average shoe size for men is 10.5 and most shoe stores only sell shoes up to a size 14, finding shoes to fit Eric Jr. is nearly impossible.A Mom's Search For Shoes For Her Teenage Son(The US Sun)It's a struggle he's known since elementary school. In grade one he was already fitting into his mom's size 12 shoes (tall genes run in the family. She's 6'2"). By the time he reached 7th grade, he was wearing a size 17. Eric Jr. spent two years straight wearing Crocs because that's all he could find that would fit.For the past year, the high school freshman has been squeezing his feet into a pair of size 22 Nike sneakers that a family friend found at an outlet store. But even with having them professionally stretched, they're too small, causing painful blisters, calluses, and ingrown toenails. For Eric Jr.'s mom, Rebecca Kilburn, it's been a heartbreaking road. She has spent countless hours scrolling the internet and calling various shoe companies, including Nike, Reebok, Adidas, and more, only to be told, "We don't make that size."A Mother's Plea For Help Goes Viral & Shaq RespondsTwitter"I have spent hours crying feeling like I've failed my child because I'm not able to find what he needs," Rebecca said.Desperate to find shoes to fit her son and with all other avenues exhausted, she turned to the media for help.After her story was published in a local Detroit newspaper, Hometown Life, word of the teen's plight quickly spread. It was picked up by various news networks and shared across the country.And that's when basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal walked in. Standing 7'1" tall and with size 22 feet, he's been in Eric Jr.'s shoes.After hearing about the teen's struggles, Shaq hit the ground running. "I got you big man," Shaq wrote on the Today's Show Instagram post. He wasn't kidding. He decided to, quite literally, step in to lend a helping hand.Just days later, a package arrived on Eric Jr.'s doorstep. It contained 5 pairs of custom-made Reeboks. Shoes originally made for the GOAT himself.Reebok also included a handwritten note, promising more to come.Rebecca shared photos of an ecstatic Eric Jr. receiving the gift in a Facebook post, and captioned it: "Reebok and Shaquille (yes Shaq!!! SO cool!!) had reached out saying that they would like to help Eric be more comfortable while he is waiting for his custom shoes, and that they had a few pairs of 22s made for Shaq in their inventory that they would like to send to Eric."She contined, "The package just arrived and he is in shoe heaven!"And then Shaq called.“I was flabbergasted,” Eric Jr. said. “My soul left my body for a moment, I was so shocked.”He empathized with the teen, sharing his own experiences of struggling to find footwear growing up. He also offered to help in any way he could, including getting him in touch with a designer who makes dress shoes up to size 26.But he didn't stop there. The next day, Eric Jr. received a text from Shaq. It read in part: “There’s much more coming big man. Love you."Shaq's Gifts Extend to More Than Just Shoes For One Teenager (Twitter)Shaquille O'Neal is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. But his greatness extends far beyond the basketball court. Known for his generous philanthropic pursuits, the only thing bigger than the size of his feet is the size of his heart.Over the years he's been involved in various charitable endeavors, including partnering with Payless ShoeSource to donate shoes and backpacks and Samaritan's Feet to launch the “Shaq’s Shoes” initiative, giving away thousands of shoes to kids in need.In 2018, he bought 10 pairs of shoes for a struggling teen with size 18 feet. And in 2019, he created his own foundation, the Shaquille O'Neal Foundation, to support underserved youth. “I’m into making people happy. Whenever I leave the house, I just try to do a good deed,” he said. Shaq Isn't the Only One Coming to the Teen's RescueEric Jr.'s story has struck a chord with people across the country. People have come out in droves, donating over 24K to a GoFundMe campaign organized by family friend, Kara Pattison.Initially, Kara wanted to raise $1500 — just enough to cover the cost of one pair of custom shoes. But donors quickly kicked it into high gear, raising nearly 20x that amount in just a few days.The Kilburns plan to open a bank account dedicated to Eric's future footwear and some specialized sports equipment.Additionally, Reebok, Under Armour, and Puma are all currently working on creating custom shoes and cleats for the teen.CAT work boots also reached out with an offer to make Eric Jr. boots. As did small company, City Slicker Shoes and Pingree Detroit who have 3D printing plans in mind.Paying it Forward(Hometown Life)Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support, Rebecca can't quite believe the "wild ride."In a follow-up Facebook post she wrote: "We are so blown away by the support from not only our community, but the (am I dreaming?) nation, maybe even global!"She also couldn't be more grateful for the kindness Shaq has shown to not only Eric Jr., but his younger brother Graesyn as well."The icing on the cake for my boys was Shaquille O'Neal reaching out and showing them so much love. So genuinely kind, and not looking for the spotlight- just wanting to reach out and connect with Eric Jr." And Rebecca's paying it forward. She's started a Facebook group called Big Shoe Network for other families in the same boat. It currently has over 2.8K members. "My hopelessness has been replaced with hope," Rebecca told the Washington Post. "Now I want to give that feeling to others."Thanks to Shaquille O'Neal and an entire community of supporters, Eric Jr. will no longer have to endure the pain of wearing too-small shoes. But beyond that, there is hope for others who are in his shoes, turning one small step of kindness for one person into a giant leap for many.

12-Year-Old Unable to Leave the Hospital After Being Shot - So, Shaquille O’Neal Buys Him a New House
Uplifting News

12-Year-Old Unable to Leave the Hospital After Being Shot - So, Shaquille O’Neal Buys Him a New House

Sometimes, we don’t realize how important a home is until it’s taken away from us.The day had been a normal one: 12-year-old Isaiah Payton had watched a high school football game in Atlanta, Georgia.How a 12-Year-Old Boy’s Life Changed in an InstantPhoto by Evgeniy KolosovBut when he was getting ready to leave, gunfire broke out near the field, and a stray bullet caught Isaiah in the spine. After that, nothing would be the same.This all happened in August and led to Isaiah’s quadriplegia, paralysis from the neck down.The tragedy didn’t end there: After Isaiah spent time in the hospital, he wasn’t able to go home because his house was not wheel-chair accessible.Former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal was one of the many community members heartbroken by Isaiah’s story. But unlike everyone else, Shaq had the means to help the family out.How Shaquille O’Neal Helped a Young Boy Come Home Shaq bought a brand new house for the family in the College Park neighborhood. He also promised to pay the family’s rent for the next year. In his good deeds, Shaq was aided by Papa John’s CEO Rob Lynch, who also donated money to make this happen.“[It’s a] nice area,” Shaq told WXIA Atlanta. “We’re going to give her some furniture, TVs and pay her rent off for a year and help her get on her feet.”Isaiah’s family was struck by this unbelievable tragedy, but they didn’t have to face it alone.When faced with obstacles it seemed impossible to overcome, the family was aided by their community. Now, thanks to the kindness of Shaq, Rob, and all those who care for them, Isaiah is finally able to come home.KEEP READING:5-Year-Old Girl Is Viciously Attacked by Two Dogs – Shaquille O’Neal Steps in After Hearing the Story

5-Year-Old Girl Is Viciously Attacked by Two Dogs - Shaquille O’Neal Steps in After Hearing the Story
Uplifting News

5-Year-Old Girl Is Viciously Attacked by Two Dogs - Shaquille O’Neal Steps in After Hearing the Story

*Featured image contains photo by Trace HudsonIt's a memory that no little girl should carry. 5-year-old Syrai Sanders was walking to the school bus stop with classmate and next door neighbor Logan Braatz, when they were viciously attacked by two large dogs.Sanders spent weeks in the hospital and barely pulled through after undergoing 8 surgeries in 2 months. Sadly, Logan didn’t make it.Braatz's uncle Andie Brasley, who described Logan as his very own 'mini-me', told AJC that he was outraged. RELATED: Shaq Finds Way To Spread Kindness Again, This Time Helping A Struggling Mom Buy A Laptop“Logan deserved better than this,” Brasley said. “Syari deserved better than this. The other children deserved better than this. And it’s up to us to do something about it.”When asked about her friend, a gloomy Sanders said, "I miss Logan, playing with him, talking to him."While she couldn't get her friend back, she would get a surprise invite from a gentle giant who would help her smile again.How Shaquille O’Neal Helped a 5-Year-Old Girl HealPhoto by Jon Tyson on UnsplashThat giant was none other than basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. Seeing Syrai's awful story on the news gave him the motivation to act. And so, he invited the Sanders family out to ‘Go Rooms Go’ furniture store in northwest Atlanta. There, he would buy them brand new furniture to help them turn to a brand new page. He also bought Syrai a new laptop.Footage caught Sanders and the giant kid O'Neal playing hide-and-seek throughout the store, with O'Neal hiding. You can bet that Syrai had an edge in that game. Syrai's father, Willie Sanders, said that O'Neal has been in touch with the family since the attack and continues to check up on her. He also added that it's not about fanfare for the big guy.We stayed in contact every day, we mentioned she's alright and he came around even now, he didn't want to get on the camera because he didn't want to do it for the news. He's a great man to me.Willie SandersSanders still has a long road to recovery, which can include more surgeries. Yet, her mother Jeresha Williams told FOX that within a week of leaving the hospital, Syrai has not only been dancing and smiling, but has also put on a brave face.RELATED: Shaq Overhears Man Struggling To Purchase Engagement Ring, Steps In And Pays For It“Today was her first time seeing herself and I didn’t know how she was going to handle it, but she was looking as though she was looking at how she was, how she had been throughout her life and I asked her ‘Did you see how beautiful you are?’ and she said ‘Yes,’” said Williams.Now that's the resilience of a champion. Meanwhile, Sanders said that her motivation is getting back to school and playing the piano. How Shaquille O’Neal Proved That Kindness HealsThe dog's owner, Cameron Tucker, was arrested for reckless endangerment. Let's hope it serves as a reminder for dog owners to keep their dogs leashed or locked to avoid another nightmare.On the brighter side, it's nice to see a girl's spirit triumph over tragedy. And when you have a real-life superman in your corner whose heart is bigger than his build, there's not one scar that stands a chance.You don't need an 'S' on your chest to be a hero, you just have your heart in the right place. KEEP READING:Shaq Noticed a Family of 11 Was Having Car Trouble - And Did Something Unbelievablebe a superheroAnyone can be a superhero, as long as they have their heart in the right place.

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

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 InfluencePhoto by Edgar Chaparro on UnsplashSpeaking 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 UnbelievableWith 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 DiedShaq 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 AmazingYet 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 InheritanceFrom 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 LaptopStrict 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. More Uplifting News from Goalcast:Shaq Overhears Man Struggling To Purchase Engagement Ring, Steps In And Pays For ItWhen Shaq Discovered A Teen Boy's Mom Couldn't Afford Extra-Large Shoes, He Did ThisShaq Overhears Man Struggling To Purchase Engagement Ring, Steps In And Pays For ItDwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Rejects a Teen's Prom Invite - What Happens Next Shocks Hertreat people with loveLove is life's greatest gift.

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

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

17-year-old Kylon Owens, a senior basketball player and captain at South Oak Cliff High School, profiles as a strong NBA prospect. According to the scouting site 'Future150', his strengths include his low post footwork and finishing through contact.How a Teen's Biggest Night of High School Was Almost RuinedPhoto by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on UnsplashAmong his teammates, he's known as a compassionate and selfless leader who gives them rides and supports them while keeping his grades up. However, at 6 foot 9 and 200-pounds, the teen admits that his frame can be his biggest foe. He told NBC5 that nowhere does this stand out more than when shopping for clothes.RELATED: When Shaq Discovered A Teen Boy's Mom Couldn't Afford Extra-Large Shoes, He Did This“Finding clothes to fit me is hard sometimes,” he said. “I have to go across town to find pants, then go on the opposite side to find a shirt.”And so, with his high school prom fast approaching, it looked like Owens had met his match. Then, with the clock winding down, he'd get a shocking all-star assist for the ages.How NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal Saved a Teen's PromPhoto by Kajetan Sumila on UnsplashOne day at home, Owens' father informed him of some exciting news, courtesy of department store chain JCPenney. “My dad received an email about winning a free clothes giveaway. I had no idea what was going on," he said.Little did Owens know, this wasn't your average giveaway. The teen's work as a basketball player and member of his community caught the attention of the store and their brand ambassador, none other than NBA Hall of Fame and gentle giant, Shaquille O'Neal. RELATED: Shaq Overhears Man Struggling To Purchase Engagement Ring, Steps In And Pays For ItAt over 7 feet and over 300 pounds, O'Neal told CBS that he can relate to the teen's wardrobe woes. "I know how hard it is for a kid his size to get fresh clothes," said O'Neal. "They call it DRIP. They want to look fly. They want to look nice."Joined by JC Penney CEO Jill Soltau, O'Neal surprised the starstruck Owens. And, after cycling through three suits, they found the freshest-fitting suit for the teen.Shaq's Wisdom Proved More Valuable Than ClothingPhoto by Gez Xavier Mansfield on UnsplashAlong with the fresh threads, the hulking legend had another gift for the young teen by sharing his secret for success. Listen to your parents. I got where I am right now by my family. Your parents have your best interests at heart; they can help guide you the right way. That is why I am the man I am today.Shaquille O'Neal Kerrie Owens, the young boy's mother, was delighted to hear this. "We want the best for him," Kerrie said. "I'm always talking to him to do this and do that, so I'm glad Shaq followed it up," she glowed. Why Paying it Forward is Always the Best PlayOwens said that day gives him motivation that fuels both his hoops and human dreams. I feel very special today. He was like me once, so I know that it's possible to be someone like him one day.Kylon Owens For the 4-time champion, making a kid smile and sparkle is what it's all about. "To know I can make a kid smile, it's just about making people happy," he said. RELATED: Shaq Finds Way To Spread Kindness Again, This Time Helping A Struggling Mom Buy A LaptopReally, what good would all of Shaq's success, rings, and revenue really mean if he kept to himself? When the cameras are off and his career's over, he realizes our true legacy is in the impact we make on others during the brief time we're here.Whether it's saving someone's prom or just some words of wisdom, we can all pay our life lessons forward to make someone's future a little brighter. More Uplifting News from Goalcast:Shaq Noticed a Family of 11 Was Having Car Trouble - And Did Something Unbelievable‘The Rock’ Surprises Veteran Who Puts Everyone Else First By Giving Him His Own Truck'The Rock' Surprises Man Who Took Him In When He Was Homeless With A $30K TruckThe Rock's Daughter Is Following In His Footsteps - But There's One Thing He Never Wants For Herinspire someone"Inspire others to new levels of achievement by using positive encouraging feedback and ideas." - Meir Liraz

Shaq Noticed a Family of 11 Was Having Car Trouble - And Did Something Unbelievable
Uplifting News

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

Shaquille O'Neal, a.k.a. the Big Diesel, a.k.a. Shaq, made a pledge last year. Every time he leaves the house, he would try to do something good.“I’m into making people happy. Whenever I leave the house, I just try to do a good deed,” he said.Recently, that good deed manifested as buying an engagement ring for a guy who was shopping for one and giving out 1,000 game consoles for Christmas. A couple of weeks ago, Shaq outdid himself yet again with another unbelievably generous gift (read these kindness quotes for more about what it means to be generous).Shaq Took a Family of 11 to Dinner and Bought Them 2 New VehiclesHis good deed started off by taking a family with 9 kids out for dinner (got a big family? Read these family sayings). Feeding that many children and parents is undoubtedly going to cost a pretty penny, but that was just the beginning.Upon learning that the family was growing out of their 12-person van, he took them to a Mercedes dealership and bought them a custom 15-passenger van. "I have no words right now!!! Today Shaq @shaq blessed us like never before," said the Collins family on Instagram. "Like literally no words."Shaq Then Tipped a Waitress $1000 after He Learned about Her Car TroubleBut that wasn't the end of it. Shaq also bought them all out for dinner at Rainforest Café and tipped the waitress $1,000 as she was experiencing car trouble. Then, he bought the father a brand new Ford truck because the A/C and heating weren't working in his old one."He also spent time encouraging us and loving on our children and speaking life into our family," the family wrote. "Somebody wake me up because I must be dreaming."Thank you @shaq times a million times!!! You have been such a blessing to us in so many ways.The Collins familyShaquille O'Neal Revealed His Parents Inspired Him To Give Back Speaking with Gary Vaynerchuk on The Gary Vee Audio Experience podcast, Shaq said this urge to give to others came from his parents."You know for me, coming from where I come from, my father was a drill sergeant, my mother just was a hard-working woman. Didn't have a lot. But they taught me the value of giving back. They taught me the value of helping those in need," Shaq said.So a huge thank you to Shaq's parents, but a special thanks to the big man himself for showing us that kindness knows no bounds.More uplifting newsWhen Shaq Discovered A Teen Boy's Mom Couldn't Afford Extra-Large Shoes, He Did ThisShaq Overhears Man Struggling To Purchase Engagement Ring, Steps In And Pays For ItShaq Finds Way To Spread Kindness Again, This Time Helping A Struggling Mom Buy A Laptop'The Rock' Surprises Veteran Who Puts Everyone Else First By Giving Him His Own Truckmake sure to give backAlways remember to look out for those who aren't blessed with as much as you are.