Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary NBA player, recently offered some advice to Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. During an interview at his annual Super Bowl party, Shaq’s Fun House, O’Neal was asked if he had any advice for Kelce regarding his alleged retirement plans. O’Neal responded by telling Kelce not to make the same mistakes he did and to prioritize his family.
O’Neal’s words of wisdom stemmed from his own personal experience. The former NBA star has admitted to making several dumb mistakes during his career, which ultimately led to the breakdown of his marriage to ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal. The couple was married from 2002 to 2011 and shares five children together. In 2022, O’Neal publicly took responsibility for their split, acknowledging that he hadn’t been faithful during their marriage.
During his recent meet-up with Kelce, O’Neal stressed the importance of enjoying one’s family and not repeating his own foolish choices. He emphasized the need for Kelce to cherish his wife, Kylie Kelce, and their children and to find happiness in their company.
O’Neal also revealed that he connected with Kelce because they are both family-oriented individuals. He praised Kelce for his admiration of his parents and his close relationship with his brother, Travis Kelce. O’Neal drew comparisons between their bond and his own relationship with Kobe Bryant, highlighting how such familial connections contribute to raising champions.
Kelce, who has been juggling podcasting alongside his NFL career, recently hinted at retiring from football after this season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Kelce informed his Eagles teammates of his retirement plans after their season-ending loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. O’Neal, who has found success as a sports commentator and TV personality after retiring from the NBA, believes that Kelce has the potential to pursue a similar career path. He described Kelce as funny, educated, and a great speaker, indicating that he possesses the necessary skills for media and entertainment.
In conclusion, Shaquille O’Neal’s advice to Jason Kelce to avoid post-retirement mistakes is rooted in his own personal experience. O’Neal’s failed marriage and the subsequent loss of his family serve as cautionary tales for Kelce as he considers retiring from professional football. By emphasizing the importance of family and happiness, O’Neal hopes to guide Kelce towards a fulfilling post-football life. Additionally, O’Neal sees potential in Kelce’s abilities as a media personality, suggesting that he could find success in the world of sports commentary and entertainment.
