Shaquille O'Neal connected with Jameis Winston during a "football" pass in an only-in-New Orleans moment during the 2025 Mardi Gras season.
O'Neal was this year's King of Bacchus, essentially the grand marshal for the Krewe of Bacchus parade. With the honor, the 7-foot-1, 324-pound basketball legend sat in a throne on his float with a crown atop of his head strolling through the streets of New Orleans Sunday night. During his route, he came across Jameis Winston, a former New Orleans Saints quarterback.
"I'm open!" Winston yelled at O'Neal, with his palms facing the heavens. "I need something."
Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal waves to the crowd as he sits on his traveling thrown as he reigns as the king of 2025 Krewe of Bacchus as they roll through the streets of New Orleans on Sunday, March 2, 2025. This year's theme is "Louisiana Fairs and Festivals." (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
- (Photo by Chris Granger The Time
The Budweiser Clydesdales parade through the crowds during the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans on Sunday, March 2, 2025. This year's theme is "Louisiana Fairs and Festivals." (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
- (Photo by Chris Granger The Time
Reaching back for a cup tossed from a passing float during the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans on Sunday, March 2, 2025. This year's theme is "Louisiana Fairs and Festivals." (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
- (Photo by Chris Granger The Time
A shrimp boat float passes through a sea of waving hands during the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans on Sunday, March 2, 2025. This year's theme is "Louisiana Fairs and Festivals." (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
- (Photo by Chris Granger The Time
Jesuit High School drummers make their way in the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans on Sunday, March 2, 2025. This year's theme is "Louisiana Fairs and Festivals." (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
- (Photo by Chris Granger The Time
Louisiana festival queens from across the state ride in a float during the Krewe of Bacchus parade in New Orleans on Sunday, March 2, 2025. This year's theme is "Louisiana Fairs and Festivals." (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com)
- (Photo by Chris Granger The Time
O'Neal connected on his first pass attempt to Winston, who then spiked the ball in the street to celebrate the touchdown. Winston then caught a couple of more passes before O'Neal's float cruised away in the distance.
The heartwarming interaction was perfect for Winston, who is fresh off a viral digital hosting experience as a correspondent for Fox Sports during Super Bowl LIX.
Fox Sports confirmed Winston's content over Super Bowl week brought in 128 million views. Some of the top moments included recommending a touchdown celebration to AJ Brown that Brown did in the game, re-enacting an entrance to "The Jennifer Hudson Show" and giving players "W" cookies at Opening Night.
"OH MY GOD HE DID IT?! I TOLD HIM!" @Jaboowins was HYPED when A. J. Brown did the Cha Cha Slide celebration he asked him to do on Opening Night 🔥🕺 #JameisOnFOX pic.twitter.com/7nvqTbqlhL
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 10, 2025
Now we got Jameis Winston doing the Aaron Pierre mufasa dance in the streets of New Orleans. This man is out of control. https://t.co/BJEWZJsB3E pic.twitter.com/ts1SXOdPcK
— Clay Fink (@clay_fink) February 7, 2025
Jameis Winston started throwing "W" cookies to Travis Kelce, but one of his throws didn't make it to him.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 4, 2025
"You know someone always trying to intercept my stuff."
Jameis is comedy gold. 🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/nmxIVy2wRV
Winston, currently an NFL free agent, played for the New Orleans Saints from 2020-23. O'Neal, one of the most dominant players in the history of basketball, played at LSU from 1989-92.
