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Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal had 3,026 assists in his NBA career, but one of his biggest assists came long after his retirement.
O’Neal, 53, is helping former professional basketball player Jordan Wilmore complete his lifelong dream of becoming the highest-ranking police officer in Texas. O’Neal and Wilmore have more in common than being former basketball players; they are both over seven feet tall.
O’Neal, who stands at seven-foot-one, is actually shorter than Wilmore, who is seven-foot-three.
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Shaquille O’Neal and Jordan Wilmore pose with members of the Kemah Police Department in Kemah, Texas on Dec. 28, 2025. (EyeCandyMedia)
Wilmore hoped to become a police officer in Kemah, Texas, but recently passed the state peace officer exam. Wilmore scored a 69 and fell one point short of the required 70 to pass, but plans to take it again.
“At first I was down, but I thought, you know, I’m still young. You fail, you get right back up. You can’t be too quick to quit,” Wilmore said, according to KHOU.
Police Chief Raymond Garivey praised Wilmore’s determination.
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Shaquille O’Neal wears a badge with aspiring police officer Jordan Wilmore in the background in Kemah, Texas, on Dec. 28, 2025. (EyeCandyMedia)
“In my 34-year career, I’ve seen others fail, but I’ve also seen others give up. When they’re done, they’re done. 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 and agreed 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 graduates.
“I’m really thankful that he helped me and was there and that he was a mentor to help me through this,” Wilmore said.
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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 knows the process.
“It actually took me five to seven years to graduate from the LA Sheriff’s Academy. I just wanted to let him know he’s got my full support. I’ll be on you bro, make sure you get it done,” O’Neal said, according to KHOU.
