Shaq-a Claus: The Documentary

Shaquille O'Neal poses with Marines at a Toys For Tots event in Framingham, Mass.

Shaquille O'Neal poses with Marines at a Toys For Tots event in Framingham, Mass.


There was a Shaq-a Claus sighting on Sunday, November 14, 2010. Jolly as ever and decked out in a red and white cap, Shaquille O’Neal helped kick off the annual Toys For Tots holiday giving campaign at a Toys ‘R Us in Framingham, Mass.

A few other collectors and I caught up with Shaq as his truck rumbled up to the back entrance of the store. Stepping out of the driver’s seat with a mobile phone to his ear, he motioned for us to come over and signed one item each. A few years ago, when Shaq was with the Miami Heat, I had taken a picture with him at the team hotel. I got an 8×10 print of the shot autographed—it was a great Christmas gift.

Shaquille O'Neal autographed picture with Matt Raymond

Shaquille O'Neal autographed photo with Matt

Inside, Shaq fielded questions from the media, posed with Marines and spent forty-five minutes dropping toys into his shopping cart (actually, several carts) to be distributed later to underprivileged children.

The event offered an ideal opportunity to break in my new Flip UltraHD. Along with dozens of media members and fans, I followed Shaq as he shopped and kept my camera rolling to capture the humorous and heartwarming memories of the day. Without further ado, I present to you, “Shaq-a Claus: The Documentary“:

If you’re having trouble playing the video, click here to view it on YouTube.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think of the video.

Matt Raymond

is the founder of Autograph University. He lives in the Boston area with his wife and two sons. Connect with him on Twitter at @mattraymond.

1 Response

  1. January 4, 2011

    […] post featuring video highlights from Shaq's appearance at the Toys For Tots event in November. Shaq-a Claus: The Documentary Autograph University – Tips, insights and resources for autograph collectors. Reply […]

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