Shaquille O’Neal is no stranger to sacrifice. On the court, it was blood, sweat, and bruises. In retirement, it’s gummies. The Hall of Famer risked his health – and his hard-earned fitness – to dive headfirst into the candy business, launching a snack that’s already sold millions. The twist? He helped design it, taste-test it, and mold it… all while battling sleep apnea and trying to stay under 350 pounds.
The new gummies that O’Neal and the confectionery brand Hershey teamed up to create are instant sellouts. The Shaq-a-licious gummies are a hit among the kids as well as the adults who are Big Aristotle’s fans. The quirky head-shaped design and bold flavors have turned fans into instant loyalists. O’Neal, who grew up in Germany, is familiar with gummies and has a genuine love for them. O’Neal and the brand have so far sold nearly $10 million packets. O’Neal proudly boasted in the podcast.
In the latest episode of The Big Podcast, the basketball legend claimed that he worked with the chemists to make the perfect choice of flavors. The gummies are shaped like O’Neal’s head. The design was, of course, Shaq’s idea. And what most are not aware of is that Big Aristotle was much more involved in the creation of these gummies than they think. “They allow me to be a part of the process. Of course, I didn’t make the candies, but I was in there with the chemist. You know how many gooies I tasted before we came up with this? Like a million of them! But you know they finally got it right,” he said.
May 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Shaquille O’Neal watches the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in game four of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
But now you know. The gummies have about 6 different flavors, such as peach, berry punch, and more. It’s one of the standout products in the $83 billion U.S. confectionery industry. This was certainly not the right choice for the basketball star, who is on a health workout routine. However, like back then, the Los Angeles Lakers legend must have surely been able to bounce back to his routine. He lost nearly 55 pounds.
Shaquille O’Neal opened up about his life-threatening issue
During his playing days, it was common for the basketball legend to visit doctors regularly. However, after his retirement, the frequent visits decreased. In O’Neal’s case, he didn’t go to the doctor much. When he finally saw the doctor for one persisting issue, the experts told him that he had sleep apnea.
It’s a serious sleeping disorder. He opened up about more details during his conversation with GQ magazine. “When I went back to the doctor, there was some stuff I never even knew. They give you those certain words: ‘Hey man, you got sleep apnea and sleep apnea can cause hypertension or strokes, so you could die. So now I’ve got to sleep with a sleep machine,” he said.
And this wasn’t the only issue. It turns out that O’Neal took too many painkillers. Since his kidney was weak, the doctors suggested he stop taking the painkillers. This visit to the doctor and the warning he received changed his views and forced him to make a change in his lifestyle too. He has also been working out and cut his weight to 350 pounds. He now opts for a much healthier routine and takes good care of himself.
In a world where athletes turn moguls, Shaq’s move into gummies looks playful on the surface. But it’s pure precision underneath. He’s selling childhood nostalgia in candy-coated form, all while staring down the health trade-offs it demands. The Big Aristotle’s biggest lesson? In America’s $83 billion candy business, the sweetest success sometimes comes with the bitterest sacrifice.
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