Shaquille O’Neal is making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for his legendary basketball career. The four-time NBA champion has thrown his support behind the Dallas Cowboys as they gear up for the 2025 NFL season, even going so far as to wager a piece of his Texas land on the team’s success.
In a recent appearance on ESPN, O’Neal, donning a cowboy hat and channeling his humorous alter ego “Tex Johnson,” made a bold declaration. He proclaimed that if Dak Prescott and the Cowboys fail to clinch the Super Bowl, he would hand over his 50-acre farm in Texas. “I live on a 50-acre farm right down here in Texas,” O’Neal stated. “If they don’t win the Super Bowl, you can have my farm. Here is the paper to Tex Johnson’s farm. If we don’t win that Super Bowl, you can have it. You can have the deed and the trust, it’s all yours.”
To add to the theatrics, O’Neal also promised to wear a dress without underwear in front of his restaurant at the Paris Hotel if the Cowboys lose to their division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. This playful wager underscores the immense pressure the Cowboys face as they enter a pivotal season, particularly with the Eagles coming off a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
While the authenticity of O’Neal’s “50-acre farm” is up for debate, public records show he owns a $1.4 million property in Carrollton, Texas, covering nearly 10,000 square feet. Regardless of the land’s size, O’Neal’s passionate endorsement shines a spotlight on the Cowboys as they strive to break a 30-year championship drought, with their last Super Bowl win dating back to 1995.
The Cowboys are under considerable pressure to deliver this season, especially with the Eagles now the defending champions. Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, has assembled a roster that many believe is capable of competing at the highest level. With Prescott leading the charge and offensive talents like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens at his disposal, expectations are soaring. The defense, anchored by standout Micah Parsons, adds to the team’s promise.
As the Cowboys prepare for their Week 1 opener against the Eagles, O’Neal’s enthusiastic support serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved. “Let’s go, Dak Prescott! I believe in you, Dak,” he cheered, putting his faith in the quarterback despite the tough competition within the NFC East.
Outside of football, Shaquille O’Neal continues to expand his post-NBA empire. He recently announced a collaborative DJ set with his son, Myles, at Las Vegas’ Encore Beach Club, branding themselves as the O’Neal Boyz.
As the Cowboys embark on what fans hope will be a successful season, O’Neal’s playful antics and unwavering support highlight the excitement surrounding the team. With the pressure mounting and the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on the Cowboys as they aim to finally bring home another Super Bowl trophy.