For Shaquille O’Neal, his passion for sports didn’t begin with basketball, but with football. The former NBA player revealed that his first sports love was the Dallas Cowboys, a team he clung to as a child when his family settled in San Antonio-a city where most people breathe football and follow the silver star.
During a conversation on the Tommy Talks podcast, O’Neal confessed that although he admired stars like Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Deion Sanders, his true idol was Ed “Too Tall” Jones. The former defensive lineman became his inspiration to the point where Shaq joked that Jones was his father: “I used to tell people that ‘Too Tall’ Jones is my dad. That motivated me and made me a Cowboys fan,” Shaq recalled.
Jones, who stood 6’9″, began his career in basketball before shining on the gridiron with Tennessee State. He was selected by Dallas with the number one pick in the 1974 Draft, and over 15 seasons left a mark on the NFL, winning Super Bowl XII and cementing his status as one of the most dominant defenders of his era.
Shaquille O’Neal’s loyalty to the Cowboys
Although the Cowboys reached their peak in the 1990s with three titles in four seasons, the franchise hasn’t lifted a Lombardi Trophy since 1995. That drought has led many fans to drift away from the so-called America’s Team. However, Shaq is clear: “I’m not a fair-weather fan. I’m with the Cowboys no matter what, until the wheels fall off,” he declared.
His message reflects the devotion of millions of fans who, despite the disappointments, still hope to see Dallas return to the top of the NFL.
Skip Bayless and the Caitlin Clark controversy
In contrast, journalist and loyal Cowboys fan Skip Bayless surprised many by admitting that he now enjoys watching Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in the WNBA more than his own team. “I’d rather watch Clark, even with her turnovers and risky shots. She excites me more than my Cowboys,” he said.
The 2025 season has started with ups and downs for Dallas (1-1), after defeating the Giants in a thrilling matchup and then falling to the Eagles. While Bayless hesitates, Shaquille O’Neal remains firm: no matter what happens, he’ll keep riding with the Cowboys.
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