News writer
Before he became a basketball icon, a larger-than-life personality, and the face of countless brands, Shaquille O'Neal was just a kid from Newark with big dreams. Inspired by his childhood hero, Dr. J, Shaq turned his love for the game into a Hall of Fame career and never forgot where he came from.
Now, he's teaming up with the New Jersey Lottery for a special collaboration. In an exclusive interview, Shaq opens up about his Jersey roots, his journey to the NBA, and why this partnership is more than just a game.
A Newark native
The NBA legend was born in Newark, New Jersey. Shaq was raised in a military family, which brought his family to Germany before settling in Texas. The 7 foot 1 inch man became a college basketball star at LSU before becoming a first overall draft pick for the Orlando Magic in the 1992 NBA draft.
Shaq went on to play in a nearly 20-year NBA career, which included four championships — three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat. Since retiring from the NBA, he has gone on to become a very popular NBA commentator, a media celebrity, movie star, rap artists, and the face of many brands. And it all started in Newark.
In an interview with the New Jersey Lottery, Shaq was asked what sporting event in New Jersey had the biggest impact on him growing up. He said:
I was having trouble in the academic world, and my father was trying all types of things to motivate me, and he knew Dr. J was my guy. So he told me that if I get good grades, he'd take me to see Dr. J play. So, one day, he comes in the house and says, 'come on, we got to catch a train.' And then we get to Madison Square Garden. I get to see my favorite player, and he goes baseline, and he throws it down, and the crowd goes crazy. At that time, I remember vividly saying to my father, I know what I want to be when I grow up. I want to be just like Dr. J.
Now Shaq's the role model
While Dr. J was his role model, it now turns out that Shaq is the role model for many young kids out there. That role model has partnered with the New Jersey Lottery to create a $5 scratch-off game called “Jersey Giant Winnings” with Shaq's face right on the ticket.
This was important to Shaq, saying, “It's a big deal for myself and my family. I think of myself as a neighborhood guy who was following his dreams but still remained humble…it just shows kids that if you follow your dreams, anything is possible.”
Part of the reason Shaq agreed to this partnership with his home state is that 30% of all lottery proceeds go to the state pension program, which benefits primarily teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
The new Shaq ticket
“Jersey Giant Winnings” is the new ticket from the New Jersey Lottery. The $5 ticket features a top prize of $200,000, as well as a picture of Shaq on the ticket.
The game started with three top prizes of $200,000, but lottery officials said one of those top prizes has already been claimed. There is still time to try your luck at one of those two other top prizes, as well as the other nine prize levels ranging from a free ticket up to $20,000.
Enjoy playing the New Jersey Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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