Big Show Discusses Retirement, Working With Special Olympics

The Big Show recently sat down for an interview with ESPN where he discussed his work for the Special Olympics and more. Highlights are below:

On not planning to retire: 

“It’s just part of who I am as a human being. I love getting out and meeting people and being part of the community. As far as what I will do professionally, I don’t know. I still have to find a way to find another passion, that also brings home a paycheck. We’ll have to see where that road takes us. I have several projects in the works now that give me an opportunity to still entertain people and still provide for my family. That’s just who I am as a person. I’ll be that guy who’s 80 years old and still has a job. There is no ‘retire’ for me.”

On which traits he values and sees in others:

“I’m reminded every day how blessed I am to be able to brighten people’s days and give back. And how humbling it is to give just a little bit of your time — a hug, a kind word, it means so much to so many people for so many different things. There’s a lot of ugly stuff that goes on in the world, and I’m not going to get up on a rock and start preaching. I start small, I’m kind to people, I say please, I say thank you, and I always try to be encouraging and positive. Being able to give someone a hug from the heart, it’s healing. It’s healing for yourself and hearing for others, and we need a lot of that.”

On being honored by Special Olympics and being presented with an ambassador’s jacket by Mark Henry: 

“I knew as soon as Mark starting talking that something was up. It got to me. It’s a special moment. When I do this, I don’t do it for recognition or a pat on the back, I do this because I really love the kids and I love [the Special Olympics and their endeavor, Play Unified]. To be honored by the Special Olympics, it’s humbling. I’ve never been one of those guys who wants to put up titles and championships and run around and brag. This is extremely humbling, I’m very proud and I’m very honored.”