Convicted NFL player Wendell Smallwood Jr., once a Super Bowl champion, now faces federal prison for his involvement in COVID-related fraud cases
Wendell Smallwood, a former reserve running back and kickoff returner for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by U.S. District Senior Judge Richard G. Andrews. The sentence comes after Smallwood pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Wilmington to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the IRS in December 2022.
Smallwood's fraudulent activities involved the submission of fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications for 14 other individuals, resulting in loans totaling $269,200. He also submitted fraudulent PPP applications for his own three entities, stealing an additional $220,000. Furthermore, Smallwood was caught orchestrating and implementing schemes that resulted in him stealing $645,000 from federal government programs designed to help businesses and employees financially survive the pandemic, and fleecing the Internal Revenue Service.
Smallwood's fraudulent activities also included filing fake tax returns for several individuals, netting $110,200. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Welsh stated that she was satisfied with the outcome of the case, emphasizing the seriousness of stealing from taxpayers.
Smallwood's defense attorney, Mark Sheppard, had sought home confinement and probation for his client, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Welsh had urged a 33-month prison term. Sheppard, however, expressed satisfaction with the sentence, stating that Smallwood will serve his sentence and return to giving back to the community.
Smallwood spent three years with the Eagles, scoring eight touchdowns during his tenure. The Eagles cut Smallwood after training camp in 2019. Smallwood earned about $500,000 in NFL paychecks in 2020 and 2021, after he began orchestrating the fraud schemes.
Smallwood won't have to report to prison until mid-December, after he finishes online courses at West Virginia to complete his bachelor's degree. Smallwood also faces felony charges in New Jersey for illegal possession of assault-style weapons and a large capacity ammunition magazine.
Wendell Smallwood Jr., a professional football player from Delaware, is going to prison for 18 months. The sentencing marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in Smallwood's life, as he navigates the consequences of his actions and looks towards rebuilding his life upon his release.
