Our man Shaq has never been shy about his passions. From basketball dominance and business ventures to community service and law enforcement, the Big Diesel has always leaned into what he loves — and one of those loves is supporting police officers and the people who want to serve.
Now, Shaq is once again putting action behind his words by stepping in to help a towering Texas man chase an equally big dream.
Jordan Wilmore, a 7-foot-3 aspiring police officer in Kemah, Texas, recently found himself just one point short of passing the state peace officer exam. After graduating from the police academy, Wilmore scored a 69 — painfully close to the required 70.
For many, that might have been the end of the road. But Wilmore chose resilience.
“At first I was down,” Wilmore said in an interview with KHOU. “But I thought, you know, I’m still young. You fail, you get right back up. Can’t be too quick to quit.”
That mindset caught the attention of Shaquille O’Neal — and once Shaq noticed, he didn’t hesitate to get involved.
O’Neal, who has been sworn in as a peace officer and served as a reserve or deputy with multiple departments across the country, personally reached out to the Kemah Police Department chief via FaceTime. Together, they discussed Wilmore’s situation and agreed to support his continued efforts to reapply and retake the exam.
“I want him to really focus on this because it’s commendable that a kid wants to be an officer,” Shaq explained. “I love cops. They made me who I am.”
Shaq’s connection to law enforcement is long-standing and genuine. While he’s not a full-time officer, he has served in volunteer and reserve roles with departments including the Los Angeles Port Police, Miami Beach Police Department, Tempe Police Department, and Doral Police Department. His work typically centers on community outreach, mentorship, and bridging relationships between officers and the public.
Recently, during ESPN’s Christmas Day NBA coverage, Shaq was even promoted live on air by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office to Chief of Community Relations, recognizing his ongoing service and impact in North Georgia.
Wilmore’s determination has also impressed Kemah Police Chief Raymond Garivey, who praised the young man’s refusal to quit.
“In my 34-year career, I’ve seen others fail, but I also see others give up,” Garivey said. “That’s not the case here. He wants to serve.”
As an extra incentive, Garivey even promised that if Wilmore passes the exam, the department will have a specially built patrol car ready to accommodate his massive 7-foot-3 frame.
Wilmore, meanwhile, remains grateful for Shaq’s support and mentorship.
“I’m really thankful for him helping me out and being there,” Wilmore said. “He’s been a mentor helping me through this.”
Shaq understands the grind better than most. He’s openly shared that it took him five to seven years to complete the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Academy requirements himself.
“I just wanted to let him know he’s got my full support,” Shaq said. “I’m going to be on you, brother. Make sure you get it done.”
Once again, Shaq proves that being big isn’t just about size — it’s about showing up for others when it matters most.