Shaq elevates big and tall men’s clothing vertical with JCPenney’s help

Shaq wasn’t known for his elevation on the court, but he’s continuing to work on elevating well-known brands off the court.

Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant big men on the hardwood during his career, and his need for clothing of the “big and tall” variety has always been a foregone conclusion. Because of the celebrity status Shaq has attained as an NBA player along with on the big and small screens since, he is now the face of JCPenney’s new line of big and tall men’s clothing.

According to a press release and Shaq’s Instagram post, Shaq is now the exclusive brand ambassador for its big and tall men’s business clothing line, named “Shaquille O’Neal XLG.” Shaq will be hard to miss on JCPenney’s social media, broadcast and print ads for the line which will begin in May and lead up to Father’s Day. Not only because of his physical size but also because of the fact he is a four-time NBA champion and possesses a PhD in Education and Leadership, Shaq is a natural choice for this role.

The line, set to be released in select JCPenney’s stores and the company’s web site this fall, will feature a variety of pieces designed to suit big and tall men during their business days and nightlife. The pieces will feature cooling fabrics along with stretch components to make the wearer comfortable.

It’s uncertain whether or not fans of TNT’s “Inside the NBA” show, which Shaq is a regular co-host of, will see Shaq donning his new duds on-screen, but that’s a strong possibility now. It would be great exposure for the brand which Shaq now has a vested (pun absolutely intended) interest in.

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If the line is as successful as Shaq’s NBA career and post-basketball exploits have been, then JCPenney has a slam dunk. Hiring Shaq to promote it certainly is a size 22 step in the right direction.