“My Dad’s So Old and Fat!”: Shaqir O’Neal Hilariously Roasts Shaq During Gym Session

The gym echoed with the rhythmic clank of weights and the low hum of music, but the loudest sound that day was laughter—laughter that could only come from the O’Neal family. Shaquille O’Neal, known to millions as “The Diesel,” was mid-crunch on a blue exercise mat, sweat beading on his brow, when his youngest son, Shaqir, decided to turn their workout into a comedy show.

Shaq had always been larger than life, both on and off the basketball court. From his days dunking in Orlando to his championship runs with the Lakers and Heat, he’d been the center of attention, the man who could break a backboard and break into a dance in the same minute. But now, in his fifties, Shaq’s focus had shifted. He’d become a self-proclaimed “gym-head,” swapping late-night sandwiches for protein shakes and salads, determined to stay healthy for his kids and himself.

It was a transformation that hadn’t gone unnoticed by his family. Shaqir, at 22, was not only his father’s spitting image but also his comedic heir apparent. The two shared a bond built on mutual respect, relentless teasing, and an endless supply of inside jokes. That morning, as they entered the gym together, Shaq was in workout mode—focused, determined, and ready to push his limits. Shaqir, on the other hand, was ready to push his dad’s buttons.

As Shaq powered through another set of crunches, eyes squeezed shut in concentration, Shaqir seized his moment. Pulling out his phone, he narrated for the camera: “My dad’s so old and fat, he does crunches with his eyes closed!” The words hung in the air for a split second before the camera panned to Shaq, who, true to form, was crunching away, eyes shut tight.

Shaqir grinned mischievously and, with the timing of a seasoned comedian, scooted his backside dangerously close to his dad’s head. The scene was pure slapstick—father focused on fitness, son focused on fun. When Shaq finally opened his eyes and realized what was happening, he burst into booming laughter, the sound reverberating off the gym walls. For a moment, the years melted away, and they were just two kids—one in a giant’s body, the other in his father’s shadow—sharing a joke that only they could truly appreciate.

The video, posted to Shaq’s Instagram, quickly went viral. Fans around the world commented on the playful dynamic between father and son, marveling at how Shaq, even as a Hall of Famer and global celebrity, was still just “Dad” to his kids. The O’Neals’ humor was infectious, their bond unmistakable.

But the fun didn’t stop there. Later that day, Shaq, ever the showman, posted another video to his IG story. This time, he addressed his fellow fathers with a challenge. “To all the dads out there,” he declared, flexing for the camera, “if you can’t pick up your youngest son, you’re not a real dad.” With that, he scooped up Shaqir—who, at 22, was hardly a lightweight—and curled him like a dumbbell. “I’ll always be daddy,” Shaq said, grinning as he held his son aloft.

The feat was impressive. At 53, Shaq was still a mountain of muscle, his strength undiminished by age. He might not move with the same agility he had in his Magic days, but his power was undeniable. Shaqir, laughing and flailing, played along, knowing full well that few sons could claim to be curled by a dad who once dominated the NBA.

For Shaq, these moments in the gym with Shaqir were about more than fitness—they were about family. He’d always believed in leading by example, whether it was on the court or in life. His transformation back in 2021 was a testament to that. After years of unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle, he’d decided to make a change. Gone were the days of five sandwiches a day; in their place were lean proteins, veggies, and strict portion control. The result? Forty pounds lost, a six-pack gained, and a renewed zest for life.

His commitment to health didn’t just benefit him—it inspired his kids, too. Shaqir, watching his dad sweat and struggle and succeed, learned firsthand the value of perseverance. But he also learned that strength wasn’t just about muscles; it was about laughter, humility, and the willingness to be the butt of a joke.

Shaq’s journey back to fitness even led him to a brief stint in professional wrestling. In 2021, he appeared in AEW, teaming up with Jade Cargill in a tag team match against Cody Rhodes. The world watched as “The Diesel” dropped Rhodes with a thunderous powerbomb, proving that his legendary dominance hadn’t faded with time. It was a reminder that Shaq, no matter his age, was still a force to be reckoned with.

But for all his accolades and achievements, it was these moments with Shaqir that mattered most. The gym sessions, the playful roasts, the shared laughter—these were the memories that would last long after the trophies had gathered dust.

As the day wound down, Shaq and Shaqir sat side by side, cooling off after their workout. Shaq wiped sweat from his brow and looked over at his son, pride shining in his eyes.

“You know, you’re lucky I let you roast me like that,” he teased.

Shaqir grinned. “You love it, old man.”

Shaq laughed, shaking his head. “Yeah, I do. Just remember, I can still bench press you any day.”

They both knew the truth: strength wasn’t just measured in pounds lifted or records broken. It was measured in moments like these—moments of joy, connection, and love.

The O’Neal gym chronicles would continue, no doubt filled with more jokes, more challenges, and more viral videos. But for Shaq and Shaqir, the real reward was something far greater: a bond built on laughter, respect, and the knowledge that, no matter how old you get, you’re never too old to be “daddy.”