O’Neal was four years into his NBA career when one year changed the course of everything that followed
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O’Neal in June 1996.
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Shaquille O’Neal is teaming up with General Mills to meet more major cereal fans and provide them with some unforgettable prizes
The NBA star, 54, chats with PEOPLE about some of the moments that mean a lot to his own biggest fans
O’Neal looks back at 1996 and all his accomplishments amid a life-changing year
Shaquille O’Neal is grateful that one eventful year put a new era of his career in motion.
Speaking with PEOPLE about his partnership with General Mills to find cereal’s biggest fans, the retired NBA pro, 54, looks back three decades to one of the biggest years of his career, 1996.
“That was probably one of my years where I had to be focused every day,” O’Neal tells PEOPLE.
“I’m a guy that likes to go up and down with my focus on purpose, of course, because I always like to get away from it and then get back. But that year, there was so much coming, so much expectation, so many opportunities,” he explains.
Shaquille O'NealShaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O’Neal on the 1996 Olympic USA Men’s Basketball team.
In one year, O’Neal was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary team, traded from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers after battling an injury throughout much of the previous season, won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, made a movie, Kazaam, and released a rap album, You Can’t Stop the Reign.
“I just had to be so focused. But it taught me a lot. It taught me that if you put your mind to something, you can definitely get it done,” O’Neal shares. “So the fact that I was able to do that and delegate certain things to certain people and still be a part of that growth, it was a wonderful thing.”
Shaquille O'NealShaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O’Neal in October 1996.
While that season of life was busy, it was also very transformative for O’Neal.
“It helped me grow as a person, helped me grow as a man,” he shares. “It helped me say, ‘You know what? Maybe I should do this way and this way and that way.’ Because I like exploring things, and if they don’t work, I know that that wasn’t the right way. I like to delete that and then just try something else.”
“I have an athlete’s mind. I will keep trying until I win,” he adds.
In the 30 years since, O’Neal has done plenty of winning, both on and off the court. He won three NBA Championships with the Lakers from 2000 to 2002, then won his fourth with the Miami Heat in 2006. He then built a diverse and lucrative portfolio outside of basketball, working as a DJ, studio analyst, entrepreneur and investor.
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Shaquille O'NealShaquille O'Neal
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in December 1996.
The sportscaster is teaming up with General Mills on a mission to reward the biggest cereal fans around the country. O’Neal and General Mills are inviting fans to prove their cereal devotion — from tattoos to wedding invitations and everything in between — for the opportunity to win epic prizes, exclusive merch and unforgettable experiences inspired by General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Reese’s Puffs and Honey Nut Cheerios cereals.
“I’ve always been one of Lucky Charms’ biggest fans. Yes, I do a lot of stuff, and I’m very successful in my life, but you can’t beat a big old cold bowl of cereal. I love it and I do enjoy it often,” he shares.
Shaquille O’Neal Shares His Big Bowl ‘Tornado Mix’ as He Partners with General Mills to Treat Cereal’s Biggest Fans
Shaquille O’Neal Shares His Big Bowl ‘Tornado Mix’ as He Partners with General Mills to Treat Cereal’s Biggest Fans
O’Neal adds, “I’ve been eating General Mills forever, so I love to celebrate fans who care about those crunchy, delicious bites as much as I do. I look forward to coming to a small town and just delivering the prize.”
Through Dec. 31, 2026, fans can visit BiggestFanContest.com to enter for a chance to win. The top 100 highest-scoring entries will be evaluated by cereal content creator Ami Moyal, known online as @cereallife and recognized for his love of cereal culture and fandom. From there, Shaq will select the grand prize winner, who will be announced on National Cereal Day, March 7, 2027.