Shaquille O’Neal didn’t let a grueling NBA career stop him from pursuing a lifelong dream of his and his parents. So when he heard a young man was going through something similar, he stepped in. Less than a year later, Shaq’s intervention helped Texas native Jordan Wilmore’s relentless hard work officially culminate in a badge. The city of Kemah in Southeast Texas now has a 7’3″ protector with the blessing of Officer Diesel.

Jordan Wilmore, a 25-year-old rookie cadet, went viral thanks to his imposing 7’3 frame that reminded social media of Shaq. After an initial setback in 2025, he was officially sworn in as the newest law enforcement officer with the Kemah Police Department in July 2026.

“It feels unreal. Feeling blessed as well,” Wilmore said at his badge-pinning. “I’m just trying to get to work and do my dream job. Finally.”

It became a wholesome celebration for the entire community because of Wilmore’s story and connection to Shaq. Back in December, Wilmore narrowly failed his state peace officer licensing exam by a single point. When the story made it to social media, O’Neal personally reached out and mentored him.

Shaq is a certified reserve officer in Florida, Georgia, and California, a dream that his parents often wished for, and because of his own respect for law enforcement. And it’s not honorary. There are many Hollywood celebrities who can share funny stories of when LA Port Authority officer Shaquille O’Neal often pulled them over and issued a ticket.

He stepped in to actively anchor Wilmore’s journey to becoming what is believed to be the tallest active police officer in the country.

“My confidence kind of lacked at first, and then I had to regain it and say, just never give up,” Wilmore said. “I’ve never been known to be a quitter.”

He had the entire city of Kemah and the Internet rooting for him to retake his exam. The triumphant return to the academy was made possible through an extraordinary intervention by O’Neal, who related with the promising young officer

Shaquille O’Neal’s incentive pushes young officer to success

For several months, officer-in-training Jordan Wilmore had been winning hearts on social media. Local PDs generally find it hard to outfit an officer of his stature, and several local businesses sponsored his gear. So when Wilmore’s final score on his Texas Commission on Law Enforcement licensing exam was 69, just one agonizing point shy of the state-mandated passing threshold of 70, Kemah PD and the city were heartbroken.

The story came to Shaq’s attention, who personally knows how difficult it is for law enforcement to adjust around officers taller than 7 feet (Shaq’s often seen in a personalized police cruiser just for his size), and he reached out with a neat little incentive. O’Neal encouraged him to retake the exam and promised a custom police vehicle like the one he uses if he passes.

“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 said back then.

Wilmore took the motivation and got his license. Not only that, instead of a standard issue uniform, the department had a custom-tailored uniform made in time for this ceremony.

Now all we need is for Sheriff’s Deputy O’Neal to roll up to Kemah in Officer Wilmore’s new cruiser.