NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal had 3,026 assists during his NBA career, but one of his biggest assists came long after his retirement.
O’Neal, 53, helps former professional basketball player Jordan Wilmore realize his lifelong dream: becoming Texas’ greatest police officer. O’Neal and Wilmore have more in common than being former basketball players; they are both over seven feet tall.
O’Neal, who is seven foot one, is actually shorter than Wilmore, who is seven foot three.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Shaquille O’Neal and Jordan Wilmore pose with members of the Kemah Police Department in Kemah, Texas on December 28, 2025. (EyeCandyMedia)
Wilmore hoped to become a police officer in Kemah, Texas, but recently failed the state’s peace officer exam. Wilmore scored a 69, falling one point short of the 70 required to pass, but plans to take it again.
“At first I was depressed, but I thought, you know, I’m still young. You fail, you get right back up. You can’t quit too quickly,” Wilmore said, according to KHOU.
Police Chief Raymond Garivey praised Wilmore’s determination.
SUNS GUARD’S CELEBRATION WITH TEAMMATE COSTS HIM $25,000 AFTER HE LEFT F-BOMB DURING LIVE TV INTERVIEW
Shaquille O’Neal holds a badge with aspiring police officer Jordan Wilmore in the background in Kemah, Texas on December 28, 2025. (EyeCandyMedia)
“In my 34-year career, I’ve seen others fail, but I’ve also seen others give up. Once they’re done, it’s over. That’s not the case here. He wants to serve,” Garivey said, according to KHOU.
O’Neal heard about Wilmore’s attempt to become a police officer and reached out, agreeing to sponsor his next attempt at the police academy. The 15-time All-Star will also have a custom car ready for Wilmore, to fit his large frame, when he passes the test.
“I’m really grateful to him for helping me and being there and being a mentor to help me get through it,” Wilmore said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Shaquille O’Neal with aspiring police officer Jordan Wilmore in Kemah, Texas on December 28, 2025. (EyeCandyMedia)
O’Neal is a certified peace officer himself and is familiar with the process.
“It actually took me five to seven years to graduate from the Sheriff’s Academy in Los Angeles. I just wanted to let him know that he had my full support. I’m going to be with you, brother, make sure you make it through this,” O’Neal said, according to KHOU.
