After Narrowly Missing His State Exam, a 7-Foot-3 Aspiring Officer Gets a Second Shot, This Time With Shaquille O’Neal in His Corner
After coming up just one point short on his state peace officer exam, a 7-foot-3 Texas man is getting a second chance, this time with an NBA legend firmly in his corner.
Jordan Wilmore, 24, narrowly missed passing the Texas peace officer exam after scoring a 69, one point below the required passing mark. The setback delayed his path to law enforcement but did not derail it.
Instead of walking away, Wilmore is preparing to retake the exam with support from Shaquille O’Neal, who reached out after learning about the aspiring officer’s determination.
Wilmore had already completed police academy training and hopes to join the Kemah Police Department, according to KHOU 11. He said the disappointment initially hit hard, but it didn’t last.
“At first I was down,” Wilmore said. “But I thought, I’m still young. You fail, you get right back up. You can’t be too quick to quit.”
That response caught the attention of Kemah Police Chief Raymond Garivey, a 34-year law enforcement veteran who said Wilmore’s resilience stood out.
“I’ve seen people fail and give up,” Garivey said. “Once they’re done, they’re done. That’s not the case here. He wants to serve.”
Word of Wilmore’s persistence eventually reached O’Neal, a certified peace officer himself. During a FaceTime call with Garivey, O’Neal offered more than encouragement, committing to sponsor Wilmore’s next attempt at the exam.
“I want him to really focus on this because it’s commendable that a kid wants to be an officer,” O’Neal said. “I love cops. They made me who I am.”
O’Neal also promised Wilmore a custom-made vehicle once he passes the exam, a very on-brand incentive from someone who understands long roads and delayed wins. O’Neal previously completed training with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a process he has said took him between five and seven years.
“I wanted him to know he’s got my full support,” O’Neal said. “I’m going to be on you, brother, make sure you get it done.”
For Wilmore, the backing carries real weight.
“I’m really thankful for him helping me out and being there, and being a mentor through this,” he said.
One point short may have paused Jordan Wilmore’s badge, but with persistence, mentorship, and a little Shaq-sized pressure, his goal is still standing tall.
