Shaquille O’Neal Meets a Fan With His Face Tattooed – His Reaction Is Unexpectedly Emotional

On a quiet Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, Wesley Paul stood before his bathroom mirror, gingerly applying ointment to his fresh tattoo—a striking, life-sized portrait of Shaquille O’Neal’s face, stretching across his left shoulder blade. The skin was still red and swollen, the ink vivid and bold. It had taken nearly all of Wesley’s savings and three long sessions with LA’s best tattoo artist, but to Wesley, it was more than a tribute. It was a symbol of transformation.

Ten years earlier, Wesley’s life had been spiraling. After losing both parents in a car accident, he was raised by his grandmother, Patricia, who struggled to keep him out of trouble. Wesley skipped school, got into fights, and numbed his pain any way he could. But for his sixteenth birthday, Patricia managed to buy him a ticket to a Lakers game. The seats were so high up that the players looked tiny, but Wesley would never forget the sight of Shaquille O’Neal—towering, unstoppable, and smiling his infectious grin—dominating the court. That night, Shaq played through a nagging injury, hustling on every play and lifting his team with his energy and leadership.

Wesley went home and started reading about Shaq: his relentless work ethic, his playful attitude, his dedication to helping others. Inspired, Wesley decided to change his life. He started waking up early, working out, and focusing on his studies. He poured his energy into building something of his own, eventually launching a mobile car detailing business called “Big Diesel Shine.” Every time he faced doubt, he’d ask himself, “What would Shaq do?” The tattoo was a way of honoring the man who’d shown him what was possible.

Now, at 26, Wesley was running a small but growing business and taking night classes in business administration. He was proud of how far he’d come. His grandmother, now in her seventies, had shaken her head when she saw the tattoo, but her eyes softened when he explained, “Shaq helped me find my way, Grandma. I want to remember that forever.”

That morning, as Wesley loaded his van for a full day of appointments, his phone buzzed. It was a text from his friend Zach, who worked security at the Lakers’ practice facility:
“You’re not going to believe this. Shaq’s at the facility today. Private workout. You gotta come.”

Wesley’s heart skipped. But he had work to do. The “Shaq mentality” wasn’t about chasing celebrities—it was about putting in the work, every day.

But then, another text:
“Bro, Shaq saw your tattoo on Instagram. He wants to meet you.”

Wesley nearly dropped his phone. He called his last client, asking if he could come early, and sped across town, his heart pounding. At the practice facility, Zach met him at the door, grinning. “He’s been telling everyone about your tattoo, man. He wants to see it in person.”

Wesley followed Zach through the corridors, his mind racing. He turned a corner—and there he was. Shaquille O’Neal, larger than life, chatting with a small group. Shaq looked up, spotted Wesley, and his face lit up.

“You must be the guy with my mug on your back,” Shaq boomed, his deep voice echoing in the hall. “Let me see that masterpiece!”

Wesley, hands trembling, slipped off his shirt and turned around. The room fell silent as Shaq approached, his eyes widening at the sight of the tattoo.

“Man, that’s incredible!” Shaq said, awe and laughter mixing in his voice. “You even got my good side!”

The group laughed, but Shaq’s gaze grew serious. “Why’d you do it? That’s a lot of pain for this ugly face.”

Wesley turned back, meeting Shaq’s eyes. “You changed my life. I was lost after my parents died. My grandma got me Lakers tickets, and I watched you play through pain, never quit, always smiling. I started asking myself, ‘What would Shaq do?’ That’s how I turned things around.”

Shaq’s face softened. “Tell me more, big man.”

So Wesley told him everything—about his struggles, his business, his grandmother’s sacrifices. By the end, both men had tears in their eyes. Shaq pulled Wesley into a bear hug, lifting him off the ground. Cameras flashed as Shaq said, “This is what it’s all about. Not rings, not stats—helping people find their way.”

But Shaq wasn’t done. “Tell me about your business, Big Diesel Shine. How’d you get started?”

Wesley explained how he’d started with nothing but a bucket and a dream, how he obsessed over every detail, how he wanted every car to shine like Shaq’s championship rings. Shaq grinned. “You know, I’m all about the details. You ever seen my shoe closet?” The room erupted in laughter.

Shaq called over a Lakers executive. “This guy’s got the Shaq-titude. We need to help him grow.” He asked Wesley to join him in a meeting with the Lakers’ business team. There, Shaq pitched Wesley’s business as a model for youth entrepreneurship. “This man took his pain and turned it into purpose. That’s what I want to see in every city.”

They offered Wesley a partnership: he would mentor at-risk youth, teaching them not just car detailing, but the power of self-belief and hard work. Shaq would provide funding, equipment, and publicity. Wesley could hardly believe it.

That night, Wesley called his grandmother. “Grandma, I met Shaq today. He wants to help me grow my business. He said what I’m doing matters.”

Patricia cried tears of joy. “I always knew you’d do something special, baby. I just didn’t know it would be this big.”

Six months later, the “Big Diesel Shine Academy” opened its doors, with Shaq himself cutting the ribbon. Wesley mentored a group of young people, helping them find pride in their work and hope for their futures. Shaq visited often, always with a joke, a story, or a word of encouragement. “Remember,” he’d say, “it’s not about being the biggest. It’s about having the biggest heart.”

Wesley looked around the bustling academy, at the gleaming cars, the smiling students, his grandmother’s proud face. He touched his tattoo and smiled. Sometimes, the greatest legacy isn’t what you achieve, but what you inspire in others. And sometimes, a simple act of gratitude—etched in ink—can change not just one life, but many.

How Many Tattoos Does Shaquille O’Neal Have? Does Each of His Tattoos Have a Meaning?

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal does not shy away from expressing his true feelings one way or another. Moreover, one way Shaq chose to express himself was through tattoos. Like many athletes around the world, the four-time NBA champion has inked some tattoos on his body as well. The 2000 NBA MVP did not have any tattoos during his college career and when he stepped into the league. However, over the years, the Los Angeles Lakers legend got some inked. But how many tattoos does he actually have? Also, do his tattoos have any meaning?

Shaquille O’Neal has 9 tattoos and each of them carries a special meaning

Shaquille O’Neal has covered his body with nine tattoos. The 15-time NBA All-Star came from a very strict household, where he was brought up by his mother Lucille O’Neal and his step-father Phillip A. Harrison, a drill sergeant. Shaq once revealed that he took permission from his mother before getting inked, even though he liked tattoos. Let’s dive into the nine tattoos O’Neal dons and their meaning.

Superman and law tattoo on his shoulder

It is no secret that Shaquille O’Neal loves his nickname ‘Superman’. The beef between Shaq and Dwight Howard over the nickname makes it as clear as daylight. The ugly beef has dragged on for years with both players going back and forth. So it does not come as a surprise that he has it inked on his body, twice.

The 7-footer has a tattoo with the words “AGAINST THE LAW” surrounded by flames on his right shoulder. Right below this, he has a massive Superman logo on his arm.

The tattoo about the law could be a show of appreciation and respect for law enforcement. Shaq has always shown his support for law enforcement personnel and stood with them during dire situations. He once talked about why he has never faced any problems with police officials. He noted that he grew up around many police officials and they taught him how to deal with every situation. Also, he added that he always shows respect for law enforcement personnel. Furthermore, Diesel always wanted to be a cop and has received many honorary positions in different agencies.

World tattoo

On his right arm, below the Superman logo, Shaquille O’Neal has a tattoo of a hand holding the globe with the words “The World Is Mine“. According to a report from Body Art Guru, “The tattoo is a motivational tattoo that he got that pushed him to work harder and achieve his goals.”

Over the course of his career, O’Neal has won almost everything there is to win in the NBA. While one cannot be sure about his goals, it is safe to assume he will be proud of everything he achieved on the hardwood. Despite the doubts of many because of his interest in entertainment, Shaq proved to everyone that he can lead a team to glory. He led the Lakers to three straight titles, which was something even the iconic Showtime Lakers were not able to achieve. With everything he has done during his career, he is considered one of the best players ever.

Boxer tattoo 

Shaquille O’Neal has a ripped man wearing boxing gloves inked on the inside of his right forearm with the word “BIG” beneath it. Shaq is a huge fan of combat sports. Over the course of his NBA career, he has used combat sports like boxing and MMA to keep himself fit.

Also, he has been present at ringside for many high-profile fights over the years. Furthermore, Shaq is a close friend of boxing legend Mike Tyson and the two share a mutual love and respect for each other. It is safe to say that his love for boxing or combat sports, in general, is evident in this tattoo. The word “BIG” could be a reference to his massive size and it could go along with his ring tattoo.

Ring and name tattoo

On his right forearm, Shaquille O’Neal has a huge ring tattoo with the word “DOG” inside it. This can be combined with the “BIG” tattoo on the inside of his right forearm as “Big Dog,” which is something he sometimes refers to himself as. On the outside of his right wrist, the 1992 Rookie of the Year has a patch with the names of his ex-wife Shaunie, and his sons Myles and Shareef O’Neal.

Shaq once opened up about his divorce from Shaunie. He admitted that his actions were the reason behind it and shared his regret. Shaq then noted that going back to his children at home after a game or practice was his happiest memory. So when the kids left after the divorce, it was a huge blow for the four-time NBA champion.

Angel tattoo

An angle tattoo is one of the most common tattoos in the world. Shaquille O’Neal also has one on his left forearm.

An angel tattoo could be a symbol of guidance, strength, freedom, and protection. Also, it could indicate God’s love for human beings.

Diesel Doc tattoo

Yes, Shaquille O’Neal has another Diesel tattoo. Looks like Shaq does not mind getting his nicknames inked more than once. The second Diesel tattoo is on his chest with the words “DIESEL DOC“.

Notably, his first-ever album, Shaq Diesel, released in 1993, was a huge hit among fans and received platinum certification. He still goes by the name DJ Diesel for his DJ performances around the world.

Diesel and Man of Steel tattoo

Similar to his right arm, Shaquille O’Neal has another Superman logo inked on his left shoulder with the words, “MAN OF STEEL“. Yes, he really likes that nickname. Above this, he has the words “DIESEL” covering his right shoulder.

Diesel is the nickname O’Neal uses in his music career. The “MAN OF STEEL” could be about more than just his nickname, Superman. In 1997, Shaq starred in the superhero movie Steel, which was based on a DC character and the tattoo could be a reference to this as well. The movie was not a hit and incurred major losses as Shaq was criticized for his performance. Recently, O’Neal gave his take on some of his movies and his colleague Spice Adams trolled the movie. However, it was still loved by basketball fans around the world.

Daughters’ names tattoo

Shaquille O’Neal has the names of his daughters, Taahirah, Amirah, and Me’Arah O’Neal, inked on the inside of his left wrist. However, it is not known whether the Hall of Famer has a tattoo of his son Shaqir inked.

Notably, Shareef O’Neal dons a tattoo of his father.

A massive target tattoo

Shaquille O’Neal dons a massive target tattoo on the inside of his left forearm. While the reason behind this tattoo is unknown, one would wonder whether it was inked as a motivation to himself to make his free throws. On the other hand, it could also be a reference to the huge target he had on his back during his playing career. Shaq was unstoppable during his prime and multiple teams used the infamous Hack-a-Shaq strategy to stop him. But most teams failed despite the desperate measure.

However, a lot of teams started to use this strategy against relatively poor free-throw shooters. This led to a massive rule change in the NBA. According to the rule, if a player who does not have possession of the ball is fouled intentionally in the last two minutes of the game, the team will be awarded two free throws and the possession as well. This essential rule change spelled the end of the Hack-a-Shaq.

Shaquille O’Neal’s son’s tattoo is a tribute to his dad

Shareef O’Neal recently showed his love and respect for his father by inking Shaq’s reaction after his iconic alley-oop dunk against the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA playoffs. The play still remains in the hearts of millions of fans around the world because of how clutch it was. Also, it is a prime example of the partnership between Shaq and Kobe Bryant despite their clash of egos.

The iconic dunk arguably sealed the playoff series for the Los Angeles Lakers, who went on to win it all that year. It was Shaq, Kobe Bryant, and the legendary Lakers team’s first of three straight titles. So it makes sense that Shareef chose to etch one of his father’s most popular dunks ever to pay his respect.