As big as he made himself in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal also made his brand one of the biggest among all athletes. With all his investments, businesses, and endorsements over the years, he has amassed a net worth of over $400 million. The Big Aristotle could have been at least $40,000,000 richer if he didn’t leave Reebok in 1998. He made a deal with his favorite store, Walmart, to make affordable shoes. And the success with those shoes has been incredible, too.
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A couple of years back, Shaq revealed that they’ve sold 400 million pairs of sneakers of his line. They even sell a million pairs per month. Recently, the NBA giant gave a tour of the factory where his Walmart shoes are made.
Shaq Gives a Tour of His ‘Million Pairs a Month’ Walmart Shoe Factory
Shaquille O’Neal might be one of the best athletes turned businessman out there. But the 7ft 1’ juggernaut never kept emotions aside on what he is going to sell or endorse. He sternly rejected the Reebok deal because a lady, with a kid, complained to him about the cost of his Reebok shoes.
The then 26-year-old didn’t just empty his wallet right there to give her $200, he decided he’ll start making his own ‘affordable’ shoes with Walmart. They came up with shoes costing merely $19-$29 but didn’t look cheap.
25 years after that massive decision, Dr. O’Neal visited the factory that made it happen. Watch the giant factory in the following Instagram post by hotfreestyle.
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Shaq shared the same on his Instagram story as well.
The existence of the Shaq brand with Walmart really exemplifies how much of a giver Shaquille O’Neal is. But, as you’d expect, it isn’t the only available example of that side of him.
Shaquille O’Neal has always been a giver
The random act of kindness is not rare for Shaq. The big man has always been generous person, not just to his fans but to unknown people on the streets too.
It started as soon as he made it to the NBA in 1992. And fortunately for the world, he has kept the acts of kindness to this day.
From helping kids buy shoes their parents can’t afford, to laptops, and basketball courts in underprivileged communities, The Diesel keeps giving whenever he finds an opportunity.
