Shaquille O’Neal has carved out an unexpected yet thriving second career as DJ Diesel. After hanging up his jersey, O’Neal faced the daunting task of filling the void left by his departure from professional sports.
Unsure of what to do with his newfound free time, he revisited an old hobby – DJing. To his surprise, this creative outlet provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, something he hadn’t anticipated.
From NBA legend to DJ
O’Neal doesn’t just DJ, though. He keeps a busy schedule that includes “working hard and staying out of trouble,” a mantra that reflects his dedication to staying productive.
“I started DJing because it gives me the same adrenaline boost that a championship game would give me,” he told PEOPLE.
“I was lost because I had planned to retire two years after I retired. So I wasn’t really prepared.
“I’ve been playing since I was 14 years old and always had that step into the arena feeling of the game. I always had that hour and a half or so. And when I stopped playing, I didn’t have that.
“I went to this concert and I got the same feeling again. I was like, ‘You know what? I used to do this. Lemme see if I can pick it up again’. So yeah, it’s fun, but it only lasts an hour and a half.
“One of my motto’s is ‘It could be worse.’ I haven’t played professional basketball in 20 years, but yet I’m still working and my schedule is full. I’m thankful for that.”
“I know a lot of people in my position don’t have anything going on, they just wake up and are lost. So the fact that I’m working, it’s a blessing. So any job I can get, I’ll just continue to do because one day I’ll be in that position where I won’t be able to do it anymore.”
This fall, he’s set to return as an analyst for NBA on TNT, bringing his charismatic personality back to the small screen. In addition to his broadcasting duties, O’Neal will headline the Sports Illustrated LIV Golf Experience in Dallas on September 21, where fans will get to see him in action as DJ Diesel.
