Why does Shaq do so many commercials? Real reasons behind his ads explored

Shaquille O'Neal is a man of many talents. He used to dominate the NBA for nearly two decades, which is what he's mostly known for. However, the basketball legend is also an actor, a rapper, a DJ, and much more.

O'Neal has been affiliated with many brands and companies. Since his retirement from professional basketball, the big man has made a lot of money promoting different products and services.

The four-time NBA champion is one of the most recognizable people in the world, which is why using him for marketing is a no-brainer. However, there are several reasons why he appears in so many commercials.

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Shaquille O'Neal has promoted a variety of products and services

O'Neal is is a spokesperson for The General, an insurance company. He's also promoted Buick, Pepsi, Epson, Papa John's, and many other brands and companies. Unfortunately, he also promoted FTX, which got him in legal trouble.

The biggest reason why Shaq appears in so many commercials is his popularity. O'Neal is popular among those who watch basketball, but also among those who don't. Standing at 7-foot-1, the big man definitely knows how to grab attention.

Another reason for his many commercials is a good agent. O'Neal is a skilled actor, but it's his agent's job to find him all these gigs. Fortunately, it appears that the LA Lakers legend has found the right person for this job.

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According to Celebrity Net Worth, Shaquille O'Neal's net worth is estimated at around $400 million. Considering that he made under $300 million from his basketball career and that he retired over a decade ago, this is quite impressive.

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O'Neal believes in brands and supports them

Matt Iseman, an actor and comedian, revealed that O'Neal also makes commercials because he believes in certain brands and companies. Some of them have also helped him, which is why he's loyal to them.

Here's what Iseman said on Bert Kreischer's podcast in 2020:

"I got to spend the day with him [O'Neal]. We go to a hospital to visit all these kids ... One of the kids asked Shaq, 'Why do you do those awful ads with the General?'" Iseman said. "Shaq said, ‘Because when I was broke and didn’t have a penny, they gave me insurance.'"

O'Neal revealed that he purchased his first car for $2,200 while he was in college. The LSU star owned a Ford Bronco II and The General gave him his first insurance policy.

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The basketball legend has appeared in numerous ads for the insurance company and has become its spokesperson. He became its brand ambassador in 2016 and has helped it become very popular.