Shaquille O’Neal’s Six Children: Meet the Talented O’Neal Legacy Shaping Their Own Paths
- Shaquille O’Neal is an iconic figure in professional basketball, known for his dominance on the court.
- Beyond his legendary career, Shaq is a dedicated father to six remarkable children.
- He has been married once, to Shaunie O’Neal.
- His son Shareef bravely underwent open-heart surgery at 18, a testament to his resilience.
Shaquille O’Neal, universally recognized as just Shaq, 51, has etched his name in history as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. However, amidst his sprawling business empire and celebrity status, another significant title he proudly holds is that of a devoted father. The towering NBA legend is a proud dad to six children, each carving out their unique journey, often inspired by his legacy but equally determined to forge their own paths. His six children include three daughters and three sons: Me’arah, 17, Shaqir, 20, Amirah, 21, Shareef, 23, Myles, 26, and Taahirah, 27. These remarkable young adults are from two of Shaq’s former relationships, showcasing a diverse and vibrant family unit that reflects the complexities and joys of modern family life.
The esteemed sports analyst has frequently opened up about his parenting philosophy, offering fans a glimpse into his approach to raising successful and grounded children. In a 2015 interview with PEOPLE, Shaq described his “tough love” parenting style, emphasizing the high expectations he holds for his kids. He recounted an amusing yet firm anecdote, stating, “I expect them to do their best. My son got a D on a paper one time, and he said he couldn’t find the information. I went off.” With a characteristic touch of humor, the former athlete continued, “I said, ‘Let me tell something, buddy. You’ve got Google. You got Bing. What do you mean you can’t find it? When I was your age, I had to go to a neighbor’s house and buy an encyclopedia.’”
Shaq continued to elaborate on his perspective, highlighting the opportunities available to the younger generation today. “The world is at our fingertips,” he explained, underlining the responsibility adults have to guide children in utilizing these resources effectively. While his method might seem strict, it’s undeniably clear that the affection and commitment he has for his children run deep. Below, we delve into the lives and aspirations of Shaq’s six children, many of whom have inherited their father’s athletic prowess, with basketball flowing through their veins, while others have chosen distinct and equally impressive career paths.
Me’arah O’Neal: The Youngest Hoops Prodigy
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Me’arah O’Neal is the youngest of Shaq’s children and is one of the four he shares with his ex-wife, Shaunie O’Neal. True to the O’Neal name, Me’arah has inherited a natural talent for basketball. She currently plays as a dominant center for Crossroads School in Santa Monica, California, where she consistently showcases her skills. Her Instagram feed is a vibrant compilation of her games, practices, and highlights, illustrating her dedication and passion for the sport. Despite her young age, Me’arah has already garnered significant attention from collegiate basketball programs, receiving multiple offers from prestigious universities such as UCLA, Oklahoma State, and the University of Virginia. Her future in basketball looks exceptionally bright, and many are eager to see how she will continue the O’Neal legacy on the court.
Shaqir O’Neal: Charting a Course to the League
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Shaqir O’Neal is Shaq’s youngest son and another of the four children he shares with his ex-wife, Shaunie. Following in the footsteps of his athletic father and siblings, Shaqir excels in basketball, playing as a forward for Crossroads School in Santa Monica. His talent and dedication on the court have opened doors to collegiate opportunities. In an exciting announcement back in April, Shaqir revealed on Instagram that he would be attending Texas Southern University, where he plans to continue his basketball career. This choice holds particular significance, as he expressed a desire to “change the narrative” surrounding historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), demonstrating a mature and thoughtful approach to his future. Shaqir’s aspirations are clear and ambitious: “You can expect a lot of buckets,” he confidently stated. “I’m trying to get to the league.” His journey is one to watch, as he aims to make his mark both academically and athletically at Texas Southern.
Amirah O’Neal: Balancing Academics and Athletics
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Amirah O’Neal is also one of Shaq and Shaunie’s four children, and like her younger siblings, she has embraced the family’s basketball legacy. She played as a forward at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, showcasing her athleticism and passion for the sport. Soon, Amirah will embark on her collegiate journey at Texas Southern University, joining her younger brother Shaqir. This move will see her continue to play basketball at the university level, further developing her skills and contributing to the team. She proudly announced her commitment on Instagram, accompanying her post with the powerful caption, “I see the doubt in they faces, they didn’t think I would make it.” This statement not only reflects her determination but also suggests a drive to prove herself and succeed, an admirable quality she shares with her famous father.
Shareef O’Neal: A Story of Resilience and Heart
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Shareef O’Neal, another of Shaq and Shaunie’s four children, has followed in his illustrious father’s footsteps in more ways than one. Possessing the same inherent talent for basketball, Shareef has carved out a significant collegiate career, playing for the Louisiana State University Tigers, which is one of his dad’s alma maters. His journey began at UCLA, where he played between 2018 and 2020 after graduating from Crossroads School. However, his path was dramatically altered during this period when he underwent open-heart surgery to correct an anomalous coronary artery, a congenital condition he was born with.
The recovery period was an arduous challenge for Shareef. He candidly shared with the Los Angeles Times, “The recovery was hard. It was hard to sit around and do nothing for almost a year.” He revealed the mental struggles he faced, explaining, “So the mental side I had crazy thoughts in my head [and] people telling me this and that. I had to overcome. Every time I play, I still think about it. Every time I look in the mirror, I have this giant scar on my chest [that’s] going to be there forever.” This experience deeply shaped his perspective, instilling in him an even greater appreciation for life and his sport.
In July 2023, Shareef delved deeper into his surgical experience on Eric Mika‘s podcast, Now For Later. He articulated his desire for this life-altering event to be an integral part of his narrative: “I want that to be a part of my path. Like, ‘He went through this when he was young to kind of alter his path but he made it back to a straight pathway again.’” He added, “I feel like in 20 years I want to be known as that kid who fought back from something that was life-changing and made his dreams come true.” This powerful outlook underscores his determination to transform a severe health setback into a story of triumph.
Shareef also discussed his diagnosis of anomalous coronary artery, which Stanford Health describes as “a coronary artery that has an abnormality or malformation.” This diagnosis came before he even had a chance to officially join the UCLA basketball team. He recalled the shock of the news, saying, “It was hard because I was ranked the No. 1 player in California at the time in my class. And I was going to a school in California. So, the momentum was going really steep, like up, up hill. Everybody was excited. When they told me, I honestly thought I wasn’t gonna be able to play basketball again. This all happened within about three weeks before the season is starting.”
After explaining that his heart used to beat unusually fast as a child, Shareef, who also praised his parents for their unwavering support during his recovery, revealed the critical risks doctors outlined if he chose to forgo the surgery. “One thing they told me is a lot of people have this but they don’t know ’cause you have to do this one certain test,” he stated. “So, you can play basketball for the rest of your life and you can possibly be fine, but one day it could happen. So, it’s kind of like you’re playing with your life if you choose not to get surgery.” The gravity of this decision highlighted the courage it took for Shareef to proceed.
Despite the overwhelming fear before the procedure, he successfully underwent the surgery and subsequently faced an intense recovery process, which included the challenging task of relearning how to walk. Physically, the ordeal took a toll, as he lost a significant amount of weight, dropping from 215 pounds to a lean 170 pounds. “You can see my ribs,” he grimly noted. “I was super skinny.”
Shareef elaborated on the strict dietary and physical restrictions during his recovery. He was force-fed in the hospital, but had to meticulously monitor his weight and physical exertion. “Them breaking through my sternum I couldn’t carry anything over a certain amount of weight for seven months ’cause if I were to overwork the wires in my sternum, it could be crooked or it could just break on its own,” he explained. “It was really hard.” Shareef’s story is a powerful testament to his fortitude, demonstrating his incredible journey back to the court against all odds and solidifying his reputation not just as Shaq’s son, but as a resilient athlete in his own right.
Myles O’Neal: Breaking the Mold, Building a Brand
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Myles O’Neal, while not Shaq’s biological son, is very much a cherished member of the O’Neal family and one of the four children Shaunie shares with Shaq. Shaunie welcomed Myles with a former partner before her marriage to the basketball icon, establishing a loving stepfather-stepson relationship. This bond is undeniably strong and evident, with Myles frequently sharing heartwarming throwback photos and affectionate messages for Shaq on social media, including heartfelt “love you” sentiments on his father’s birthdays. Unlike his siblings who pursued basketball, Myles has forged a distinct path in the entertainment industry, establishing himself as a successful TV personality and DJ. His charisma and talent have led to appearances in several reality television shows, including his parents’ hit series Basketball Wives and Shaq Life, as well as Shaunie’s Home Court. Beyond his family’s shows, Myles has also made a notable appearance on The Hills: New Beginnings, showcasing his versatility and growing presence in Hollywood. His career highlights his ability to step out of the shadow of his famous family and make a name for himself in a different arena.
Taahirah O’Neal: A Trailblazer in Corporate America
Taahirah O’Neal holds the distinction of being Shaq’s firstborn child. She is the daughter Shaq shares with his former girlfriend, Arnetta Yardbourgh, whom he dated for four years in the 1990s before meeting Shaunie. Taahirah has chosen a path divergent from the basketball court, making significant strides in the corporate world. She works as a social marketing and community outreach specialist, demonstrating a keen intellect and a passion for making a positive impact. According to her LinkedIn profile, Taahirah currently serves as a communications assistant analyst at PepsiCo, a role that speaks to her dedication and professional acumen. Her close relationship with her father is also evident; on Shaq’s 49th birthday in March, Taahirah shared a sweet clip on Instagram, capturing her dad’s joyful reaction to receiving a massive gift box from her company.
In her heartwarming Instagram post, Taahirah expressed her gratitude and pride, writing, “BEYOND thankful for my @pepsistrongertogether family.” She further explained the thoughtful gesture, “My team and I surprised him a few nights ago with all his favorite things. Pops was SO happy. He will never forget his birthday this year.” This anecdote beautifully illustrates the deep bond and mutual respect between Shaq and his eldest daughter. Taahirah’s success in her chosen field, away from the glare of professional sports, is a testament to her individuality and drive, showcasing the diverse talents present within the O’Neal family and the supportive environment fostered by Shaquille O’Neal for all his children to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be.