Shaq on Jerry West and his “old man strength”

Shaquille O’Neal recalls going on a tear after a Lakers loss in the NBA Finals and being put in his place by Jerry West.
The full interview with Shaq is available on the In Depth with Graham Bensinger Podcast, available at the links below and wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts:
Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/4p...
Spotify: tinyurl.com/3c...
Stitcher: tinyurl.com/c4...

[@Nuvendil]

6'4" Jerry West pinning 7' Shaq - who had to outweigh him by near 100lb - to the wall is...one badass image.

[@MyCharlie223]

Graham is the only person in the civilized world that has never heard the term "old man strength"

[@cosmicsoullove]

+Rog Gurty lolol

[@amjan]

+Rog Gurty He's a doll. He has no personality. Probably comes from a rich household and was home-schooled.

[@MyCharlie223]

Well is Interviews are very good so someone did something right along the way

[@kennethlucas7473]

amjan. I nominate you psychoanalyst of the century. Way to go Einstein

[@G1stGBless]

I know! He looked all blank and lost. Like what buddy? Are you from this planet?

[@beetlejuice4357]

Shaq knows all about that old man strength when he shook Wilts hand.

[@KingGemini530]

WORD IT showed Shaq he wasnt it and that was one of my favorite players growing up until i Saw wilt game tape

[@greenmagicdragon]

Shaq was literally shook by Wilt.

[@jonpaq698]

I can totally see Shaq just destroying a bathroom in my mind lol.

[@shaokhan4421]

Jonpaq DO YOU SEE THIS CHUCK, how many rings you got?! The hell with how many rings I got

[@gokulvaradan8781]

I always wondered how shaq would do in those words strongest man competitions. He obviously wouldn't win but with that kind of height, weight, and hand size he'd be pretty good

[@dannyishere139]

That’s what you took away from this video

[@Kavothizzlafduxbfd]

@@shaokhan4421 what?

[@garretterickson6474]

Hahahahaha jesus

[@CitsVariants]

"Don't listen to how I say it. Listen to what I say"

[@AngeNoua]

Yes, that hit me hard too ;(

[@jdavfnln]

i love how these interviews always seem to bring out the more human side of these athletes. They always seem really honest and laid back in your interviews. Great job !

[@GrahamBensinger]

+Justin Davenport Thanks, Justin!

[@Kigoz4Life]

yes. and Graham LETS Them speak. not interrupting like other stupid interviewers do

[@jdavfnln]

There obviously human. Its just that in front of the media and during most interviews a lot of athletes answer questions in a very robotic way as if they are programmed to do so. Its not very often that you see athletes or entertainers answer questions genuinely and speak with what seems to be real emotion. Thats the difference I was pointing out about these interviews .

[@varcoliciulalex]

@@GrahamBensinger Your interviews are absolutely amazing and even with guests which might feel confortable bringing the human side out of them you have an ability to have them show us how the world looks in their eyes. Any chance for an interview with Larry Bird?

[@InvestBetter.]

Jerry's a bad-ass. He used to take Shaq's lunch money and give him wedgies

[@Loganbub]

Lmfao

[@ZayTRP]

My dad is going on 50 now and he was insanely strong when he was younger. I mean bent a steel bar, break things because he didn’t know his own strength type of strong. He’s had stopped working out a lot cuz of COVID and he lost like his “lifting” strength but he DID NOT lose like whatever regular strength is I mean he didn’t just get this strength from working out for years it was he was doing mechanical work, shoveling, lifting heavy things, washing cars like back breaking work. I went back home from college and I shit you not, while I was helping him change the oil the car I drove up the ramps and one side was a little on the edge. This dude moved the car to fit the ramps he basically picked it up and moved it an inch like it was the most jaw dropping thing I’ve ever seen and I’m a physics major so I did the whole math with the weight of the car how far he had to push it and shi like that and my calculations came out to like 600 pounds of force needed it sum like that it was insane

[@efrainquevedo6148]

Nice story man

[@armwrestling-like-the-vide6030]

Old man strength featurette #Armwrestling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3SwZol-qtuej7c 🦾😎👍🤘💪💯

[@Laid2Sleep]

Did we have the same Dad? lol

[@executioner8320]

Your pops is a viltrumite lmao

[@TheForeheadOfDoom666]

@@Laid2Sleep hello my children

[@mazzb305]

Jerry West hit Shaq with the Sanford and Son lol

[@cameroncoleman2579]

+mazzb305 ya big dummy! lol

[@ExodusPessoa]

Ha Ha Ha Ha

[@thedarkwarriorperspective7475]

mazzb305 😂😂

[@mangr5254]

Lmao🤣🤣😂😂

[@Th33Vultur3]

Imagine being guys like Elgin Baylor, and Jim Kelly, who hardly won anything

[@soaky4]

I'm surprised how this story hasn't been inflated to mythical proportions by other people in basketball lore. Something like: "Yeah, there was this one time when Jerry West, at age 60, kicked Shaquille O'Neal's ass. He grabbed Shaq and threw him around, knocking out urinals and sinks in the bathroom. He was stronger than Shaq."

[@watchmanonthewall14]

No, but Wilt was stronger than Shaq, for real.

[@MelvinLew-q4q]

Wilt was stronger than anyone.

[@jingqi9106]

West is always so cool and collected so it’s eye opener to hear Shaq talk about Mr Clutch like that. Jerry was a great, great player and transferred that greatness to his coaching, GM, and advisory roles. West has been HOF his whole career. Shaq is one of the greatest centers in history and it’s refreshing to hear how respectful he is of his authority figures.

[@TheBatugan77]

His step dad, the one who raised him...career Army NCO.

[@yeltsin6817]

Old man strength is a real thing. My dad was a steel worker for 30 plus years. Would lift 60 lb plates by hand 50-60 times per day. He also boxed semi pro. When he was 59 some young guy, 29 years old, was harassing my dad and mom. My dad warned him but he kept going. He ended up lunging at my dad who clocked him and knocked him out. Cops showed up and were laughing at the 29 year old while they took him away. The senior coo on the scene asked my dad how old he was and when my dad told him he couldn’t believe it. Lol. I got whooped plenty aS well. His hands were like bricks.

[@Wazzamazizzi]

O man I can listen to this all day.

[@bakerman10]

Jerry West is the most important person to the NBA ever.

[@josephpuepuemai3229]

Yes old man strength is a real thing, my great uncle(yes great uncle) gave me an ass whooping one time when i was young teen, he literally grabbed me and took me inside the house and swung arms, man did i respect him that day on wards

[@DaVinci_Diesel]

Lmfao

[@chrisfi3d]

Hahaha reminds me of a good friend once told me - he had an older dad, when he was 18 he was messing up. Old dad comes into his room after the latest debacle, literally lifted his 6 foot frame up by his neck and tossed him out the open window lmao

[@coryburns9161]

Jerry West is no sissy I'm pretty sure that nose was broken when he played

[@JamesAllenJr]

It ain't "Old Man" strength... It's what's leftover... Imagine what he was like young! You gotta know Jerry West was great.

[@Yabas00]

Shaw's boat shoes are so big that they could actually carry passengers

[@54321yrrag]

That old man strength is real, very real

[@armwrestling-like-the-vide6030]

Old man strength featurette #Armwrestling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3SwZol-qtuej7c 🦾😎👍🤘💪💯

[@scuzzbecuzz]

The more I hear Shaq talk, the more respect I have for the guy! He’s a winner by every definition of the word.

[@markwhittaker6866]

Agreed.

[@KD-eq2ch]

R.I.P. Mr. West.

[@akumacode]

Jerry West lifted Shaq off his heels with one arm!? while Shaq was pissed?! man I wanna be that strong

[@virginia9887]

AkumaCode old mans strength reminds me of my dad ...lol

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

You gotta love Shaq,he's really a great role model and a very generous guy. It also sounds like his military man father did a great job in schooling Shaq. His dad it appears left a lasting impression on Shaq that lasts to this very day. It just goes to show you how important a father is in a household where kids are to be raised. I believe his father made the difference in Shaq becoming a great player and person. His pops should be given all the credit, a truly respected and fine man

[@Maximillian200HP]

I love the amount of respect the modern day greats show the old school guys like Jerry, Bill, Wilt and Oscar, they are always so respectful and humble when they speak about them.

[@Akartavor]

Shaq is a winner but has always had my respect because of his respect for things/people that deserve it.

[@williambrooks276]

Love Shaq for his tremendous character! He respects authority and that's something that everyone must do. He has embraced this trait from his youth and excelled in life because of it. His ability to humble himself under those in authority is a Biblical principal that when acted upon promises blessings.

[@jaydubya3698]

"Old man strength" will last until you're about 65, maybe 70 if you're someone like Jack LaLanne. After that, you're just...an old man. LOL

[@armwrestling-like-the-vide6030]

Old man strength featurette #Armwrestling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3SwZol-qtuej7c 🦾😎👍🤘💪💯

[@bigles9083]

Shaq step dad a drill Sargent did a fantastic job with his son!

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

Not a huge Shaq fan, but his stepdad was a drill instructor and helped make him a very grounded person in many ways. I've never forgotten a story about him from an old Detroit sportswriter whose son coached against Shaq in high school. All his teammates came off the bus before an away game and started goofing around or hitting on the cheerleaders, while Shaq sat up in the bleachers doing his homework. Even at his goofiest, I kept that in mind.

[@tthomas3427]

Who asked if you were a Shaq fan??! NO ONE!

[@simon709]

@@tthomas3427 "Not a huge Shaq fan" - you can't even read properly

[@ForwardTu]

@@tthomas3427 Looks like you didn't even read the comment.

[@tthomas3427]

@@ForwardTu looks like you need to mind ya business

[@peternolan4855]

I like Shaq. Says it real, every time.

[@HHIto]

I attended MANY basketball games at the LA Sports Arena, Forum (my childhood heroes, Jerry West, Sandy Koufax, Gary Beban, more)... living in LA, I met them all & many others, but Mr. West was my logo!

[@maxfirefantasyreport]

The respect for Jerry West is well deserved.

[@Afineaddition]

Old man strength is very real

[@jorgemartinbg]

Imagine a guy like Jerry West back in the Egyptian days, they would’ve called him like a god or something if he had been a warrior because that man was a true athlete

[@kevinherd3437]

Jerry West was my hero, class is what I remember about those losses, at 10 years old I could see it was killing him inside. The man earned MVP of the finals in s losing effort, I cannot imagine that will happen again ever.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

It won't, there's an unwritten rule since then that only a winning team player can be the Finals MVP. West in 1969 though DEFINITELY earned the award, his series made WILT performances look weak!

[@RetroNBA42]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 I mean Wilt played great too

[@FabulousMsTasha]

Great interview!Shaq appears to be a very intelligent kind hearted humble dude!

[@The-Dom]

"my illustrious career" Shaq just keeps losing more and more respect. Smallest big of all time.

[@r-truth798]

Nice Interview!! Jerry West is the legend from my homestate of WV!!!💯🏀💯💪🏀🏀

[@insulman100]

R-Truth I know 2 years ago but I grew up in Jerry West's home town and BTW for those that don't know West's home town is Chelyan not Cabin Creek even though people called him Zeek from Cabin Creek believe it or not he is my grandmothers cousin

[@kirbysir675]

he said nigga?

[@tameloszn]

Everyone saying Graham has a boring face and no personality, but he is great for one reason: he knows the person or athlete he’s interviewing is the most important thing in the video, and I’ve seen those he interviews to rarely be offended and he gets genuine answers from these guys. Knows what buttons to push and knows his line, I feel at least.

[@elge9999]

and the fucked up part is Jerry only won one ring...

[@vambo13257]

Remember the Celtics at that time were loaded, then they had to deal with the Knicks. Then Kareem when Wilt was old with bad knees.

[@nba_fan7214]

"Jerry West is god in my eyes". That's a ton of respect coming from Shaq

[@xart23x]

WHo wouldn't respect the great Jerry West. HE's a no bullshit kinda guy but with a great heart. Shaq always respected father figures. Jerry even ribbed Kobe at the statue reveal for the Shaq/Kobe beef.

[@FOT2010]

Love Jerry West haha

[@JungleYT]

Yeah, ole Jerry's a county boy - they do have that kind of strength...

[@clydeb7713]

Jerry was Mr. Clutch. Check out his playing highlights.

[@scotthall7585]

Much respect Shaq. That's a man and a winner should view things

[@mangr5254]

Jerry west was all about that defense when he played, he ain't scared!!

[@chrispy9736]

man gr all about those late game shots mr clutch

[@marcusharmon8389]

Haha Jerry west badass 😂😂😂

[@daviddufresne343]

Well I can't speak on how strong West was, but I saw a video of him at 35 years old doing a standing jump and touching the top of the square on the backboard. Strange I've never seen any footage of him dunking, but he's so practical he probably thought it was a waste of energy or something.

[@tuckertech]

This really explains why he had issues with Kobe. He’s from a military family and believes in chain of command.

[@Tesla_ofthe_Skies]

Graham is like, " is it kinda like Ivy League Strength?!"

[@ciarraibuzz]

That's why I love me some Shaq. BTW, he got away with more offensive fouls than anyone in the history of the universe.

[@thomasdemay9805]

maybe he got away with offensive fouls but the also one of the all time leaders in getting fouled by the other team but no call because he was so much bigger and stronger than the guys fouling him made it hard for the refs to call him accurately. He was dominant and a Great player and uncalled fouls are more or less pointless drivel

[@MelvinLew-q4q]

He also got fouled and no calls because of his size. Good thing he's basically good natured.

[@RigbyJitBihh24]

RIP Mr. West!!!!!!!!!!

[@JasonJFlippingLife]

I've got so much respect for Gerry West. One of the reasons I became a Laker fan. Great interviews. These showed me a contemplative side of Shaq that I hadn't seen.

[@GrahamBensinger]

+Jason Johnston Thanks, Jason!

[@dopefaithdotcom1900]

+Jason Johnston Jerry

[@toemasmeems]

Lawl come on man smh

[@peskylogicchillinsky6007Futube]

It’s easy to make mistakes in comments because it’s hard to make out the letters sometimes because the type is super small and iPhones sabotage your spelling.

[@josefadams647]

They gotta have a show about Shaq and Kobe like the masterpiece Winning Time.

[@cjburgess5682]

Respect for authority. Kids need to hear this.

[@TheNBAHistory]

I have a seriously hard time believing the part about Jerry West picking him up.

[@Jonathanr1015]

TheNBAHistory **in Shaq voice** "old man strength" has no bounds.

[@hephzibah8854]

I think that shows you how much he respected Jerry West to say, " I think he picked me up on my tip toes". No Way bro!

[@elhadjiamadoujohnson4166]

I had grandfathers like that. They would overpower you in split of second. My spiritual guide was the same.

[@radar0412]

TheNBAHistory You wern't there Man! You wern't there!

[@Am-Not-Jarvis]

Shaq wasn't watching because he had the first person perspective so all he knows is he got lifted up.

[@brianhall1155]

Really Shaq? Wilt would have lifted you up like that. But nice story anyway. I could believe he got hold of you, to educate you, just not lift you.

[@jayhay8]

brian hall West didn’t lift him up he just raised him up to his tippy toes there’s a difference. And yes Wilt could have lifted Shaq, but that’s besides the point

[@PresbianTier]

​@@jayhay8 what's the difference

[@armwrestling-like-the-vide6030]

Old man strength featurette #Armwrestling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3SwZol-qtuej7c 🦾😎👍🤘💪💯

[@yongwoo1020]

Shaq is a dope

[@mrfake675]

Many people respond well to authoritative leaders. Modern education doesn't allow authoritative male leaders anymore. Many children won't meet their potential partially because of this. Brought out the best in Shaq.

[@ryanmchowell]

Shaq is a know sociopath , dude didn't show up to the top 50 in 97 because wilt hurt his feelings. He still salty

[@kennethkwon]

Bruh I really like the quote don’t listen to how I say it listen to what I’m saying, would solve a lot of arguments that people have

[@TheSands83]

Can u imagine a guy doing that to a player today? He’d b called a racist n vilified. The player would b crying about it saying he felt like a slave n on n on

[@TheBatugan77]

The hick from Cabin Crick... All time great.

[@nicolaszyx3120]

Shaq on Jerry West: I respect him because I can’t disrespect him... 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@knifetricksarefun]

i feel so bad for jerry west his back must hurt so bad from carrying around such a large sack 😂

[@lennyb1969]

damn this is pure wisdom

[@cuttingedgecool7235]

Very revealing interview.

[@personne7542]

1:52 Either Shaq is full of it, or there is something really wrong with him.

[@richardalmaraz2533]

I agree with the big man

[@absolutely9924]

Wow great interview!

[@Dre2Dee2]

Jerry West pinning up Shaq? Thats some fucking BALLS GOD DAMN

[@Mr090909090909099]

"Never disrespect an authoritative figure because they can make you pay" Words spoken from a coward.

[@sgtwarden5020]

Somehow it seems like Shaq, who I know personlly and Jerry West who I met once, belong together. They are kind of the same guy.

[@1stshepherd]

Jerry ripped Shaq a new one and then told Shaq, GET OUT OF MY OFFICE! Gotta love it! 🤣🤣

[@JCT1926]

for a second i thought shaq said luscious not illustrious. I don't think my ears go down to Shaq's lowest speaking notes.

[@angelorollo3350]

Shaq is a special superstar who acknowledges the impact of another special superstar on him. BRAVO

[@lastraven7205]

The Logo

[@klapsigaarenbasgitaar1931]

Interesting what he says though when you think about it. Just because people have authority they must be right? That's not always true.

[@005adityaanurag2]

"Don't listen to how I say, but listen to what I say."🤩

[@jujuju948]

"I ripped three urinals off the wall." Thats the weirdest image to visualize.

[@billybongthornton777]

If shaq stayed at the lakers they would’ve won 8

[@spencerstracke92]

Literally destroying a bathroom.

[@cjcotton3118]

Graham doesn’t get out much or lives under a rock

[@2enchant]

Shaq should have worked harder

[@tthomas3427]

STFU

[@erikhopkins9488]

he's just a man shaq ... not God!!!

[@illmatic19]

you can't do these things to todays players lol

[@RTDavis0503]

Old man strength is real.

[@kyleanderson4044]

I found your page, these are really good interviews

[@andgar923]

Shaq lies like no other.

[@sonnyblagrove1778]

The size difference 🙈

[@tallswede80]

It's not old man strength, it's the same strength he's always had. As a young man, jerry west would have thrown him across the room.

[@ScottBrown124]

Umm, funny, but no way in hell.

[@tallswede80]

Scott Brown "Umm, funny, but no way in hell." Isn't that what your mother said to you?

[@ScottBrown124]

+tallswede80 What does that even mean.

[@tallswede80]

Scott Brown Is there a specific word in the question that you don't understand?

[@ScottBrown124]

+tallswede80 No, it was just so stupid that I couldn't believe it.

[@lovlymine7664]

I love Shaq I wish I could meet him

[@mn3142]

Dejavu

[@mn3142]

BOY!

[@88smjls]

Shaq had problems with Pat Riley.

[@watchmanonthewall14]

Never heard that. I do know that Riles runs the show.

[@InvestBetter.]

Rigor Mortis is undefeated

[@armwrestling-like-the-vide6030]

Old man strength featurette #Armwrestling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3SwZol-qtuej7c 🦾😎👍🤘💪💯

[@carlosdanger7907]

Old man strength is 100% a real thing. My pops got Parkinsons now but he's still strong as an ox if he can close his hands on you lmao.

[@carlosdanger7907]

@@joesphrobinette8878 Those muscles remember all the years of lifting. There's no other way to explain it they shouldn't be able to throw around that kind of weight.