The O'Neal Dynasty: Meet All 6 Children Of Shaquille O'Neal And Their Surprising Paths

Shaquille O'Neal, the legendary NBA Hall of Famer, is as well-known for his dominant presence on the court as he is for his larger-than-life personality and successful business ventures. As of December 2025, a common question that continues to pique the curiosity of fans is about his family life, specifically: exactly how many children does the 'Big Diesel' have? The answer is a powerhouse team of six, each forging their own unique path under the watchful eye of their famous father.

The former Los Angeles Lakers center, often just called "Shaq," is a proud father to a blended family of four biological children, one daughter from a previous relationship, and a beloved stepson. He has consistently championed his children's education and independence, famously stating they must earn their own success, a philosophy that shapes the O'Neal legacy far more than his four NBA championships.

The Complete O'Neal Family Roster: A Full Biography Profile

Shaquille O'Neal’s family is a blend of athletic talent, academic achievement, and entertainment industry savvy. His six children come from two significant relationships: one with his former girlfriend, Arnetta Yardbourgh, and four with his ex-wife, Shaunie O’Neal (now Shaunie Henderson), which also includes his stepson, Myles.

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• Taahirah O’Neal
  • Relationship: Daughter with former girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh.
  • Born: July 19, 1996.
  • Career/Path: The eldest of Shaq's children, Taahirah is known for her focus on academics and business. She graduated magna cum laude from Oglethorpe University in 2019 and has since worked in communications and non-profit sectors. She maintains a private profile compared to her siblings.
• Myles O’Neal
  • Relationship: Stepson (Shaunie O’Neal’s son from a previous relationship).
  • Born: May 7, 1997.
  • Career/Path: Myles is a successful model, DJ, and television personality. He has walked runways for major fashion houses and is a key figure in the entertainment industry, establishing his own identity outside of the O'Neal name.
• Shareef O’Neal
  • Relationship: Son with ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal.
  • Born: January 11, 2000.
  • Career/Path: Following in his father's footsteps, Shareef is a professional basketball player. He played collegiately at UCLA and LSU and has pursued a career in the NBA G League, often making headlines for his on-court performance and recovery from a significant heart surgery.
• Amirah O’Neal
  • Relationship: Daughter with ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal.
  • Born: November 13, 2001.
  • Career/Path: A talented basketball player herself, Amirah played collegiately at LSU, the same university as her father. She is known for her towering height and skills on the court, carrying the family's athletic tradition forward.
• Shaqir O’Neal
  • Relationship: Son with ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal.
  • Born: April 19, 2003.
  • Career/Path: Shaqir is also a promising basketball player, currently playing at Texas Southern University. He is focused on developing his game and following the collegiate path established by his older siblings and father.
• Me’arah O’Neal
  • Relationship: Daughter with ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal.
  • Born: May 1, 2006.
  • Career/Path: The youngest of the O’Neal children, Me’arah is a highly-touted high school basketball prospect. Her skills and potential have drawn national attention, suggesting she is the next in the family line to make a splash in college basketball.

The Strict "Two-Degree" Rule: Shaq's Unique Parenting Philosophy

Despite having an estimated net worth in the hundreds of millions, Shaquille O'Neal has been very vocal about his desire for his children to achieve financial independence and not rely on his immense wealth. This philosophy is encapsulated in his now-famous "two-degree" rule, which is a core component of the O'Neal family's financial structure.

Shaq has publicly stated that for his children to access the bulk of his fortune, they must first earn two university degrees. This stringent requirement is not meant to be punitive but rather to instill a strong work ethic and provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the world on their own terms. He believes true wealth is earned, not inherited.

The NBA legend's approach emphasizes the importance of education over celebrity status. He has often reiterated that he will cover the costs of their college education, but beyond that, they are expected to build their own successful careers. This focus on higher education is why many of his children have pursued degrees alongside their athletic or modeling careers.

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This rule applies equally to his sons and daughters, though he has playfully mentioned that he is slightly more lenient with his daughters. Ultimately, the goal is to prevent the "curse" of inherited wealth, where children lack motivation because everything is handed to them. It is a powerful lesson in financial literacy and personal accountability for the next generation of the O'Neal family.

The Next Generation of O'Neal Athletes: Basketball and Beyond

It is perhaps unsurprising that many of Shaquille O'Neal’s children have inherited his athletic genes. The O'Neal name is now synonymous with basketball, with three of his biological children—Shareef, Amirah, and Shaqir—all playing high-level collegiate basketball, and the youngest, Me'arah, on track to join them.

Shareef O'Neal's Professional Journey

Shareef O'Neal is the most recognizable of the siblings in the professional sports world. After facing significant health challenges, including a major heart surgery, he has shown incredible resilience. His journey from UCLA to LSU and eventually to the NBA G League demonstrates his determination to carve out his own basketball career, separate from the shadow of his iconic father.

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The Daughters' Dominance on the Court

Amirah O'Neal and Me'arah O'Neal are proving that the O'Neal women are just as dominant. Amirah's career at LSU solidified her place as a formidable college player, while Me'arah is quickly becoming one of the most exciting high school prospects in the country. Shaq often speaks about the special bond he shares with his daughters and their passion for the game.

Myles and Taahirah: Success Outside the Paint

Not all of Shaq's kids chose the basketball path, which perfectly aligns with his belief in pursuing individual passions. Myles O'Neal has successfully established himself in the competitive world of fashion and entertainment. His career as a model and DJ showcases the family's diverse talents. Taahirah O'Neal, the eldest, has focused on a corporate and philanthropic career, proving that success can be found in a variety of fields. Her dedication to education and business highlights the non-athletic legacy Shaq is equally proud of.

Shaq and Shaunie: A Model of Co-Parenting

A significant part of the O'Neal children's upbringing involves the successful co-parenting relationship between Shaquille O'Neal and his ex-wife, Shaunie O'Neal (now Henderson). The couple, who were married from 2002 to 2011, share four biological children and raised Myles together.

Despite their divorce, Shaq and Shaunie have maintained a respectful and collaborative relationship centered entirely on the well-being and development of their children. Shaunie, a successful television producer and personality, has often spoken about their commitment to presenting a united front for their children, which is a testament to their maturity and dedication as parents.

This stable co-parenting environment has allowed the children to thrive, providing them with the support necessary to pursue high-level athletics and demanding academic careers. Their ability to successfully navigate the complexities of a blended family is a positive example for other celebrity parents and a key factor in the O'Neal children’s success across various fields.

In conclusion, Shaquille O'Neal is a father of six remarkable individuals, each of whom is making their mark on the world. From the professional basketball court to the high-stakes world of fashion and corporate business, the O'Neal dynasty is a powerful testament to a father's love, a mother's dedication, and a strict, yet ultimately rewarding, parenting philosophy focused on education, independence, and earning one's own success.