Shaquille O’Neal Helps Aspiring Police Recruit Achieve His Dreams

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is stepping in to help former pro basketball player Jordan Wilmore chase a second career, backing the 24-year-old as he works to become a police officer in Texas.

Wilmore, who would be the tallest officer in the state if sworn in, completed the police academy but fell one point short on the Texas peace officer licensing exam, scoring a 69 instead of the required 70, according to KHOU. After hearing about Wilmore’s setback, O’Neal offered to sponsor him as he prepares to retake the exam and restart the certification process. (RELATED: Tennessee Governor Pardons Country Music Singer Jelly Roll)

“I want him to really focus on this because it’s commendable that a kid wants to be an officer. I love cops. They made me who I am,” O’Neal told the outlet.

“I found out about him through jealousy,” O’Neal joked. “I thought I was the tallest, handsomest cop in the world.”

O’Neal, who is a certified reserve peace officer, said the law enforcement path can be a grind, noting that it took him “five to seven years” to complete the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy. He said he reached out to Kemah Police Chief Raymond Garivey to pledge his support for Wilmore, who already has a position waiting for him at the department.

“I wanted to just let him know he’s got my full support,” O’Neal said. “I’m going to be on you, brother, make sure you get it done.”

Wilmore, who previously turned down opportunities to pursue a professional basketball career, told KHOU the setback only strengthened his resolve.

“At first I was down, but I thought, you know, I’m still young,” he said. “You fail, you get right back up. Can’t be too quick to quit.”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 10: Shaquille O’Neal attends Michael Rubin’s Fanatics Super Bowl party at the Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on February 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Fanatics)

The police chief said Wilmore’s persistence stood out over the course of his career.

“In my 34-year career, I’ve seen others fail, but I also see others give up,” Garivey told the outlet. “Once they’re done, they’re done. That’s not the case here. He wants to serve.”

The Kemah Police Department is already preparing for Wilmore’s arrival, including making practical adjustments for his size. Garivey said the department discovered its standard equipment was not suited for Wilmore’s unusually tall frame after he rode in a patrol car.

“Knees are touching the dash,” Garivey said. “It’s very, very tight.”

Shaquille O’Neal #34, Center for the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Phoenix Suns on 11th April 1997 at the Great Western Forum arena in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Allsport/Getty Images)

O’Neal has also ordered a custom-built patrol vehicle for Wilmore, which will be ready for use once he passes the state exam.

“I’m really thankful for him helping me out and being there, and being a mentor for helping me through this,” Wilmore told KHOU.

Wilmore said he briefly considered pursuing a professional basketball career but ultimately chose law enforcement instead.

“That’s just who I am,” he said. “I would do anything to help out whoever I can. There is nothing really else I want to do.”