Netflix Roast Rumor: Is Shaquille O’Neal the Next Athlete in Line for a Roast?

The recent comedy roast of NFL legend Tom Brady was a major success for Netflix. It left fans wondering – which athlete will be bold enough to volunteer for a roast next? While any number of sports stars could handle the heat, some stand out as more likely candidates based on their big personalities.

Is Shaquille O’Neal the Top Choice?

Shaquille O’Neal is the frontrunner to be the next comedy roastee. The basketball Hall of Famer has one of the most outsized personas in sports history. His larger-than-life character and willingness to crack jokes make Shaq a prime roast candidate.

Throughout his 19-year NBA career, Shaq established himself as one of the most dominant big men ever. Since retiring, he has become popular as an analyst for TNT’s Inside the NBA. Shaq’s big smile and booming laugh are perfect for a light-hearted roast. Considering his fame transcends basketball, a Shaq roast could draw a sizable audience.

What do the betting sites say? 22bet.com reports odds of 3.5/1 and a percentage chance of 28.60% that the next roast will be of Shaquille O’Neal!

Will Charles Barkley’s Roast Cap His Broadcasting Career?

Retired NBA superstar Charles Barkley has the second-best odds. Like Shaq, Chuck has transitioned into TV broadcasting with TNT. He hints at retirement on a regular basis, so a roast special could be the ideal farewell.

Barkley is admired for speaking his unfiltered mind. A no-holds-barred roast would match his frank style. During his playing days, Chuck gained a reputation for stirring up controversy. That same penchant for verbal sparring would translate well on a roast dais.

Could Travis Kelce Get Roasted After Winning the Super Bowl?

Travis Kelce is the most likely NFL player to get roasted next according to sportsbooks. The Chiefs tight end just won his second straight Super Bowl, further elevating his stardom. Not only is he dating pop superstar Taylor Swift, but Kelce also has a top podcast with his brother Jason.

Kelce’s talent and colorful antics make him an obvious roast choice. While still in his prime, Kelce likely has the confidence to withstand the roast jokes. Doing one sooner than later would allow him to promote his various projects.

Will Peyton Manning Follow His Rival Tom Brady’s Lead?

Future NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning could be roasted next. Manning’s accomplishments include five MVP awards and two Super Bowl wins. His humorous ads and Manningcast endear him to fans.

Manning would follow in the footsteps of his longtime rival Tom Brady. While not as decorated as Brady, Manning has enough name recognition and clout to headline a Netflix roast. Doing so would help him step further outside Brady’s shadow.

Could Stephen A. Smith Draw Viewers Despite Not Being an Athlete?

Interestingly, TV personality Stephen A. Smith could also be roasted. While not an athlete, Smith has hosted ESPN’s First Take since 2012, where he voices strong opinions. His bombastic style makes him a divisive figure among sports fans.

A roast could allow detractors to get humorously back at Smith. Even without an athletic career, Smith’s fame ensures he would draw strong viewer interest. The event could promote his other projects like Stephen A’s World.

While oddsmakers point to Shaq as the favorite, any number of sports superstars could volunteer to be humbled through good-natured jokes. The next roastee is still to be determined, but the special will undoubtedly be a hot ticket when it happens.