Martina Navratilova shares her feelings on Shaquille O'Neal's powerful anecdote about his stepdad's lesson on real pressure after 'terrible NBA game'

Martina Navratilova has shared her thoughts on Shaquille O'Neal's inspiring anecdote about a transformative experience in his life. The NBA legend reminisced about how his stepfather taught him a profound lesson about the meaning of true pressure through a memorable outing.

O'Neal made his NBA debut with the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the 1992 draft. Although he quickly made waves in the league with his impressive prowess, the 52-year-old once put up a "terrible game" against the New York Knicks in his first season.

Upon being questioned about his poor performance by his stepfather, who was an army sergeant, O'Neal admitted that he was overwhelmed by the pressure of facing Patrick Ewing and the formidable Knicks team.

"My stepdad was a sergeant in the army-a serious, strong man of character. We had an excellent relationship. I once played at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks in my first season in the NBA. I had a terrible game," O'Neal said.

"Afterward, he called me and asked why I played so badly. He wondered if it was the pressure of facing Patrick Ewing and the Knicks. I told him I felt pressure. He said, 'Tomorrow, I want you home at 7:00 AM. Pick me up-we're going to see a family that has no home," he added.

To break him out of that "weak" mindset, the NBA legend's stepfather took him to visit a struggling family, emphasizing that their daily fight against poverty represented real pressure, not earning millions of dollars while playing professional basketball.

"On the way, we encountered a family in need. My stepdad stopped, gave them money for their next meal, and said, 'That's pressure. You have everything; you're weak," he said.

"There's no pressure in playing basketball and earning millions of dollars. Real pressure is felt by those who don't know when or where their next meal will come from! He told me to get out and help that family," he added.

The visit left a lasting impact on Shaquille O'Neal, who made an effort to help the poor family by securing a job for the father of two and buying them an apartment. He also revealed that he never felt pressure in an NBA game again, having witnessed real hardship.

"I got out and saw a man with his wife and two children who had just lost their home. The man was looking for work. He told me he was cutting grass. I called a friend and asked him to get this man a job," he said.

"I called another friend and said I needed an apartment for a family of four, promising to send a check the next day. They needed help. After that, I never felt pressure in a basketball game again because that family had real pressure," he added.

Martina Navratilova took notice of O'Neal's inspiring anecdote circulating on social media, voicing her agreement with the powerful message.

"Right on," Martina Navratilova posted on X

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Martina Navratilova's wife Julia Lemigova opens up about the legend "loving" motherhood, reflects on "intense, loving, incredible three months" with adopted sons

Martina Navratilova with her wife Julia Lemigova (Source: Getty)

Although Martina Navratilova acknowledged Shaquille O'Neal's moving story, her wife Julia Lemigova shared that the 18-time Grand Slam champion has had little time to engage on X (formerly Twitter) in recent times since the couple adopted two boys earlier this year.

In an interview with People, Lemigova disclosed that the former World No. 1 was loving motherhood. While admitting that the adjustment had left her "sleep-deprived," the 52-year-old also fondly reflected on their "intense and loving" three months as a family.

"[Martina Navratilova] loves it. She's making pancakes in the morning, taking them to school. She's so energized. When we first got them, we thought we are saving them, but in reality, we're both saving each other," Martina Navratilova's wife said.

"I'm sleep-deprived but so happy. It's becoming a reality because it's only been three months, but it's been a very intense, loving, incredible, three months," she added.

Martina Navratilova's wife Julia Lemigova, who has two daughters from previous relationships, also expressed excitement about being a new mother again after an extended period as an "empty nester."