Shaquille O’Neal has always been a dominant force on the basketball court, but when it comes to his family, he’s a devoted and emotional father. That love was on full display when the NBA icon was presented with his daughter Me’Arah O’Neal‘s first-ever trading card.
The moment, captured on The Big Podcast with Shaq, quickly went viral, drawing reactions from fans and media personalities alike-including entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee). However, one person in the O’Neal family had a humorous take on the milestone, teasing that they didn’t get the same kind of recognition.
Topps, one of the most well-known trading card companies, has produced collectible cards for some of the biggest names in sports history, including Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and even Shaquille O’Neal himself.
Now, Me’Arah O’Neal has joined that elite list, making her trading card debut in honor of her appearance in the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game.
In a video posted on Topps’ official Instagram page, Adam Lefkoe, Shaq‘s co-host on The Big Podcast with Shaq, revealed the special card to the basketball legend. As soon as Shaq saw his daughter’s face on the card, his pride was evident.
He marveled at the collectible and even took the time to show Me’Arah how to properly sign an autograph-an important skill as her career continues to rise.
Fans flooded the comments section with admiration for the heartwarming father-daughter moment. Among them was Gary Vee, who kept it simple but genuine, commenting, “So nice” and “Auayayayayaya.”
A Playful Protest from Shaq’s Eldest Daughter
While Shaq was busy celebrating Me’Arah‘s achievement, his eldest daughter, Taahirah O’Neal, had a hilarious response. Ricky, a friend of Taahirah, reposted the video on Instagram and jokingly commented, “@taahirahoneal card wouldn’t be worth a scratch-off .”
Not one to let a joke slide, Taahirah clapped back by sharing a post from 2019 that read, “I’ve been very consistent in my distaste for sports,” making it clear that her interests lie elsewhere.
While she may not be involved in basketball like her younger siblings, Taahirah has always been one of their biggest supporters, celebrating their achievements from the sidelines.
Shaq’s Lasting Impact as a Father
Shaq‘s emotional response to Me’Arah‘s trading card once again highlighted his deep connection with his children. Over the years, he has remained a constant source of support, attending their games, mentoring them, and showering them with encouragement.
During a TNT segment, Shaq spoke about Me’Arah‘s development as a player, praising her performance in the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Girls Game, where she recorded 12 points and six rebounds.
Fans were quick to appreciate how involved he is in his children’s lives, with one commenting, “Such a wholesome moment,” while another added, “So cool. Good job, Dad!”
Interestingly, one fan pointed out that Shaq didn’t react as enthusiastically when a rare 1990s trading card of his own was recently pulled from a pack. Unlike his emotional response to Me’Arah‘s debut, he barely acknowledged his own card-further proving that his pride in his children far outweighs his personal achievements.
Fans Want a Father-Daughter Showdown on the Court
With all the excitement surrounding Me’Arah’s success, some fans are now eager to see how she would match up against her father in a game of one-on-one.
“I wonder who would win in a 1-on-1,” one fan wrote. Given her defensive skills and Shaq‘s legendary dominance in the paint, the matchup would undoubtedly be one for the books.
Shaquille O’Neal may have built a legacy as one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, but moments like these show that his greatest pride comes from his family.
Whether it’s celebrating their milestones, joking around with them, or offering guidance, Shaq continues to be the ultimate role model-not just for his children, but for fans who admire his unwavering commitment to fatherhood.
