Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has made headlines again with his generous spirit. The NBA icon offered a shoe deal to six-year-old jiujitsu champion Nalah Barry. Additionally, he donated $10,000 to her family after discovering her incredible talent on social media.
O’Neal was scrolling through Instagram when he found videos of the young martial artist. Her skill and determination immediately caught his attention. The basketball star decided to take action and support the rising star from El Paso.
Shaq’s Generous Offer Surprises Young Fighter
O’Neal flew the entire Barry family to New York City for a special meeting. During their visit, he announced his plans to support Nalah’s journey. “I’m about to offer this little girl her own shoe deal,” O’Neal declared during their meeting.
The former Lakers star didn’t stop at just one gift. His business partners at Galaxy Universal matched his $10,000 donation. This means the Barry family received $20,000 in total support. O’Neal also promised additional money for future achievements.
“Galaxy is gonna give you 10,000, I’m gonna give you 10,000,” O’Neal explained to the family. He emphasized that he wanted nothing in return except for Nalah to keep winning. The gesture shows O’Neal’s commitment to helping young athletes reach their potential.
From Losses to Gold Medals: Nalah’s Journey
Nalah Barry is already a five-time gold medalist at just six years old. She currently holds a grey belt in jiujitsu. Her father, Dominic Barry, is a professional boxer who trains both Nalah and her younger sister Nayah.
However, success didn’t come easily for the young fighter. Nalah lost every tournament during her first six months of competition. Many children might have given up, but Nalah showed incredible heart and determination.
“In the beginning, it was all about her heart,” Dominic revealed in a TikTok video. One day, everything changed for Nalah. She began winning matches after months of additional training. The extra work included weight lifting and running sessions with her father.
Social Media Fame Leads to Recognition
The Barry family has built a strong following on social media platforms. Dominic’s TikTok page has attracted over 1.5 million followers. These videos showcase Nalah’s impressive jiujitsu skills and training sessions.
Influential people began noticing Nalah’s talent through these social media posts. In July, the six-year-old fighter received a nomination for youth athlete of the year. This recognition highlighted her rapid rise in the martial arts world.
When O’Neal reached out to sponsor Nalah, Dominic had modest expectations. He simply hoped the basketball legend might attend an event or repost their videos. Instead, O’Neal exceeded all expectations with his generous support package.
Shaq’s History of Helping Young People
O’Neal’s support for Nalah fits his pattern of helping children in need. The basketball icon regularly donates to young people facing challenges. Recently, he provided sneakers to 2,000 kids who needed footwear.
In February 2024, O’Neal helped teenager Jor’el Bolden from Missouri. The teen wore size 23 shoes and struggled to find affordable footwear. Custom shoes would cost over $1,000, making them unattainable for his family.
After media outlets shared Bolden’s story, O’Neal stepped in to help. He sent new clothes, shoes, and items from his personal wardrobe. These acts of kindness demonstrate O’Neal’s commitment to supporting young people across different circumstances.
Building Success Through Hard Work and Determination
O’Neal’s own journey from humble beginnings inspires his charitable work. The basketball legend didn’t receive handouts during his rise to fame. Instead, he worked exceptionally hard to build his impressive career and business empire.
His net worth now reaches approximately $600 million through various ventures. Endorsement deals and multiple businesses contributed to this wealth. This success makes him one of the richest retired basketball players in history.
O’Neal’s story shows the importance of resilience and determination. These same qualities that he sees in young Nalah Barry. His support could help launch her career to new heights in the martial arts world.
