Former Running Back Wendell Smallwood Jr. Accused of Obtaining Over $600,000 in Fraudulent COVID-19 Aid
Former NFL Draft Pick Wendell Smallwood Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Fraud
Wendell Smallwood, a former NFL draft pick who played a significant role in the Philadelphia Eagles' first Super Bowl win in 2017, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for defrauding the government of over $645,000 in COVID-19 relief funds.
The sentence, handed down by Judge Richard G Andrews on September 18, 2025, comes after Smallwood pleaded guilty to masterminding three fraudulent schemes targeting federal relief programs designed to support businesses during the pandemic.
According to court documents, Smallwood filed fake applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The schemes, which took place between 2020 and 2023, involved submitting fraudulent tax filings to the IRS, resulting in the acquisition of the aforementioned sum.
Smallwood's legal troubles began in 2023 when assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines were discovered during a raid on his New Jersey home. He now faces felony charges in New Jersey for illegal possession of these items.
Smallwood's attorney argued for probation, citing his tough upbringing in Wilmington, Delaware, and his volunteer work with the city's Police Athletic League. However, prosecutors sought a 33-month sentence, emphasizing the deliberate, multi-year nature of the fraud.
In court, Smallwood expressed remorse, stating, "I feel like I let the community down. I let my family down. I have nobody to blame but myself." He is ordered to repay the full $645,000 as part of his sentence.
Smallwood's NFL career was marked by success and struggle. Drafted by the Eagles as the 153rd overall pick in 2016, he made a significant impact on the team, contributing to their Super Bowl win. However, he struggled to maintain his place in the team after being sidelined in 2019.
As he prepares to begin his prison sentence in December, Smallwood will first complete criminology coursework at West Virginia University. There is no publicly available information about other individuals involved in his fraud schemes.
This sentence marks a significant turn in Smallwood's life, a stark contrast to his days on the football field. His story serves as a reminder of the consequences of fraudulent activities and the importance of upholding the integrity of federal relief programmes.
