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San Antonio area high school football player Joseph Gamez is just 14 years old.
Yet he stands at 6-foot-9 and 395 pounds, making him a formidable prospect as a football player. But at 6’9, 395, Gamez was struggling to the necessary size 22 cleats needed to step onto the field.
That is, until Shaquille O’Neal stepped in.
See, O’Neal knows what it’s like to be larger than most of the world’s population. So when local nonprofit San Antonio Threads started a campaign to find Gamez the proper apparel, the Big Diesel stepped up in a big way.
Gamez, who plays left tackle and nose guard, had been playing in socks up until O’Neal and company stepped in
While he was unable to immediately get Gamez the cleats he needed, O’Neal did send him several other pairs of size 22 shoes.
But he wasn’t the only famous athlete to step up and help out.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs came to the rescue and paid for Gamez to get multiple pairs of size 22 cleats. As did ex-Dallas Cowboys star Thomas Henderson.
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead also reached out to wish Gamez luck with his football dreams and said that he plans on seeing him again in the future.
“We can’t thank you enough,” Gamez’s mother Tiffany said. “I can’t explain how hard it’s been.”
Finally, O’Neal offered a message of support for Gamez and his family.
“I sent you about 10 pairs of shoes. I’ma take care of you. I don’t have any football cleats, but I got all the other stuff you need.
“…Make sure you listen to your Mama. I’m from San Antonio. You’re from San Antonio. I’m (gonna) always make sure you’re straight. I love you guys.”
Shaquille O’Neal Gave Similar Gift To Michigan Teenager Just Last Year
It’s an incredible gesture, and one that is nothing new for O’Neal. Just last year the Basketball Hall of Famer did something similar for Michigan teenager Eric Kilburn Jr. Killburn Jr., like Gamez, plays football and stood at 6-10 with size-23 feet at just 14 years old.
O’Neal sent him over sneakers to play in and helped set him up to receive custom-made cleats.
Shaquile O’Neal: fantasic basketball player, even better human being.