Shaquille O'Neal Endorses Chris Christie for Governor of New Jersey

Retired NBA superstar center Shaquille O'Neal is campaigning for Chris Christie (R) to be reelected governor of New Jersey.

O'Neal recently recorded a promotional video advertisement on Christie's official YouTube channel, emphasizing Christie's efforts to enhance school systems through the means of government funding:

A hat tip goes to Elisha Fieldstadt of NBC News for the find on the video, as well as for a fun headline, leading with "Shaq PAC?".

Considering the charisma O'Neal exhibits in this ad, along with his immense popularity as one of the all-around biggest professional basketball stars in recent memory, his influence could be substantial.

Winning the Nov. 5 election would grant Christie a second term in New Jersey, where he began his tenure in January 2010.   

In placing a priority on education, O'Neal is aligning with an issue that Christie has actively addressed throughout his tenure.

One of the recent policies Christie has pushed for in education is a change to the way public school teachers are evaluated. Thirty-five percent of a teacher evaluation will be based on improvements in students' performance on state tests, per The Record's Leslie Brody.

Christie also approved 23 new charter schools for the state back in 2011.

The 51-year-old Republican can take solace in counting O'Neal as a major endorser, as well as renowned author Harlan Coben, who played baseball with Christie in their youth. Both were inducted into the Little League Hall of Excellence this year.

While Coben has the power of the pen and a large following, O'Neal's public support speaks loudly, too.