Shaquille O'Neal–NBA legend, business owner and all-around big personality – isn't about to let his kids coast on his fortune. Despite being worth an estimated $500 million, Shaq's set some serious ground rules for passing down his wealth. In his eyes, "Daddy's cheese" is off-limits unless they meet one big requirement: education.
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Shaq's Big Rule: Education First
Shaq doesn't want his six kids growing up relying on his money. He wants them to build their careers and make a name for themselves. In a 2022 podcast with Logan Paul, Shaq spelled it out, saying he expects his kids to get at least three college degrees before they even think about his money. No degrees, no inheritance – it's that simple.
"I tell them, ‘We're not rich, I'm rich,'" Shaq explained, clarifying that he wants his kids to understand the value of hard work and education. Shaq joked, "Somebody give me a law school, somebody give me hedge fund." He's thrilled about his daughter Taahirah, who works as a marketing director at Pepsi and hopes the rest of his kids find success, too.
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He continued relaying the message to his kids: "I just want you to have an education, have fun, be yourself. And I tell them and they kinda got mad at this, ‘In order to touch daddy’s cheese, you gotta have 3 degrees.'”
"We Don't Need Another NBA Player in the Family"
Even though Shaq is one of the biggest names in basketball, he's not pushing his kids to follow his path to the NBA. Sure, he'll support them if that's what they want, but he'd rather see them in fields like medicine, law or finance – anything where they can build careers that don't rely on fame or athletics.
Shaq explained in the Earn Your Leisure podcast that same year, "I tell them all the time, we don't need another NBA player in the house. If you want to play, I can help you, but I'd rather see a doctor, dentist, hedge fund guy or maybe even a world traveler."
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Building Generational Wealth, Not Just Inheriting It
For Shaq, this approach is all about building generational wealth in a lasting way. He's not just thinking about passing down money; he wants to set his kids up with tools and mindsets that will keep them successful for the long haul. Shaq focuses on motivating his kids to work hard and create something they can be proud of, not just to live off what he's made.
In his own life, Shaq has walked the walk: He kept learning even after his NBA career took off, earning a bachelor's degree, an MBA and a doctorate in education. By setting this example, Shaq is showing his kids that education is the foundation for anything they want to achieve.
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Shaq's Legacy: More Than Money
Shaq's way of parenting is about more than setting rules; it's about teaching values. By raising the bar and prioritizing education, he's sending a clear message: success isn't just about money or fame – it's about personal growth and hard work. Shaq's kids may have one of the world's most famous fathers, but with him at the helm, they'll have to earn their spot in the world.
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