Size doesn't necessarily guarantee a slam dunk in every field, especially when that field is law enforcement, and that size is 7'3". Basketball behemoth Shaquille O'Neal, no stranger to towering over his peers, has joined the support squad for one gargantuan cadet, Jordan Wilmore, who's been making quite the impression in Kemah, Texas—both for his height and his aspirations.
As we now know, according to FOX 26 Houston, the former NBA star O'Neal graced the Kemah Police Department with his presence not just to tower but to empower. Wilmore, the 24-year-old cadet whose viral fame preceded him, missed his target on the state exam by a single, pesky point. Not one to watch potential go to waste, Shaq has pledged to back Wilmore for six months, providing him with mentorship, support, and the keys to a new patrol vehicle that can accommodate his formidable frame.
The storied athlete sees failure not as a blockade but as a stepping stone—or perhaps even a ladder for someone like Wilmore. "I gave him a speech that I would give any other big man in the locker room," Shaq admitted. "Tell him to keep going. A lot of people realize in this world that before you succeed, you must first learn to fail. So, I’m like, ‘hey man, keep it going,'" he related to FOX 26 Houston. Kemah Police Chief Raymond Garivey also had his say on the matter, noting in an interview with KHOU 11 that Wilmore's unwavering resolve despite stumbling at the exam hurdle. "In my 34-year career, I’ve seen others fail, but I also see others give up. Once they’re done, they’re done. That’s not the case here. He wants to serve," Garivey stated.
This tall tale, however, isn't solely about overcoming obstacles. It's also a narrative of commitment to community service, something both the basketball icon and the aspiring officer share. "I've always had a desire and goal to become a police officer," Wilmore told FOX 26 Houston in a September interview. Shaq echoed the sentiment to KHOU 11, underscoring his own connection to law enforcement: "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."
For Wilmore, the backing of an NBA legend is not just about celebrity endorsement; it's a source of practical aid and inspiration. He voiced his gratitude: "I’m really thankful for him helping me out and being there, and being a mentor for helping me through this," he told KHOU 11. With O’Neal pledging full support and ongoing follow-ups, Wilmore is preparing to retake the state peace officer exam while training with guidance from a prominent sports figure known for emphasizing long-term discipline and commitment.
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