Behind the Legend: Shaquille O’Neal’s Remarkable Journey as a Father of Six Children
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, standing at an imposing 7’1″, has conquered basketball courts around the world, but perhaps his greatest achievement lies in his role as a devoted father to six remarkable children who are each carving their own unique paths in life. The basketball icon’s family structure reflects the complexities of modern relationships, as his children come from two different relationships that have shaped his understanding of fatherhood and responsibility in profound ways.
O’Neal’s eldest daughter, Taahirah O’Neal, now 27, represents the fruit of his early relationship with former girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh, born in 1996 when the basketball star was still establishing his legendary career. Taahirah has emerged as an accomplished professional in her own right, graduating magna cum laude from Oglethorpe University in 2019 and currently working as a communications associate analyst for PepsiCo while simultaneously serving as a part-time social media assistant at her father’s entertainment company, Mine O Mine.
The majority of O’Neal’s children stem from his relationship with ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal, a partnership that brought four children into the world and added a fifth through Shaunie’s previous relationship. Myles O’Neal, now 26, technically became O’Neal’s stepson when he was born to Shaunie in 1997, but the basketball legend embraced him fully, even allowing Myles to take on the O’Neal surname as a symbol of their unbreakable bond.
Myles has carved out an impressive career in entertainment and fashion, making his mark as both a musician and model while appearing on various television shows including his mother’s reality series “Basketball Wives” and the family show “Shaunie’s Home Court.” His fashion credentials reached new heights when he walked in Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring 2018 runway show during Milan Fashion Week at just 21 years old, demonstrating the artistic flair that runs through the O’Neal family.
The musical connection between father and stepson has deepened over the years, particularly through their shared passion for DJing, with Myles helping to put together live sets for O’Neal’s onstage alter-ego, DJ Diesel. O’Neal fondly recalls purchasing Myles’ first DJ set and encouraging him to “figure it out” independently, a parenting philosophy that emphasizes self-reliance and personal growth.
Shareef O’Neal, now 23, represents the continuation of the family’s basketball legacy, though his journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity that would test the strength of any young athlete. At 18, just weeks before his freshman season at UCLA, Shareef discovered he had a congenital heart defect that required open-heart surgery, temporarily derailing his dreams of following in his father’s footsteps.
The diagnosis was particularly devastating because Shareef was ranked as the number one player in California at the time, making his potential career-ending condition even more heartbreaking for the young athlete. However, the successful surgery allowed him to return to basketball, playing for both UCLA and Louisiana State University before leaving college early to pursue his professional career, ultimately signing with the NBA G League Ignite in July 2022.
Amirah O’Neal, 21, continues the family’s athletic tradition as a college basketball player for Texas Southern University, having previously been a walk-on at her father’s alma mater, LSU. Her commitment to basketball demonstrates the competitive spirit that runs through the O’Neal bloodline, as she works to establish her own identity in the sport that made her father famous.
Shaqir O’Neal, 20, shares his siblings’ passion for basketball and currently plays as a forward for TSU, where he has expressed his desire to “change the narrative” surrounding historically Black colleges and universities. His commitment to TSU reflects both his athletic ambitions and his awareness of the broader social impact that student-athletes can have on their communities and institutions.
The youngest member of the O’Neal clan, Me’arah O’Neal, 17, attends Episcopal High School and recently made headlines by committing to play basketball at the University of Florida after receiving offers from more than a dozen schools, including her father’s beloved LSU. Her decision was influenced by her connection with Coach Kelly, whom she felt cared about her development both on and off the court.
Despite experiencing two significant breakups that resulted in his complex family structure, O’Neal maintains excellent relationships with both mothers of his children, recognizing that his role as a father transcends any romantic complications. He has publicly stated that he has “two wonderful women that have given me beautiful, gorgeous children” and acknowledges his responsibility to “protect and provide and love for them forever.”
The basketball legend’s approach to parenting combines generous love with practical expectations, as evidenced by his “Shaq-a-Claus” Christmas tradition where he spoils his children with gifts while simultaneously demanding they demonstrate work ethic and business acumen. O’Neal has made it clear that while he’s willing to help his children with their business ventures, he expects to see professional presentations including resumes, business plans, and supporting numbers before providing any financial backing.
This balanced approach to fatherhood reflects O’Neal’s understanding that his children must forge their own paths while benefiting from his guidance and support, creating a legacy that extends far beyond basketball achievements.