Wendell Smallwood Jr., once a promising running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, has now been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for orchestrating a COVID-relief fraud scheme. The sentencing was handed down on September 18, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews in a Wilmington, Delaware court.
The Details of the Fraud
Prosecutors say Smallwood ran multiple schemes between 2020 and 2023 that defrauded the U.S. government of approximately $645,000 using federal relief programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key elements of what Smallwood was found to have done include:
Submitting fraudulent applications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, often using defunct or recently registered businesses. Falsely representing the number of employees, revenue, business start dates, and expenses. Filing false tax returns, both in his own name and under other people’s names, involving more than $110,000 in fraudulent tax refunds. Receiving kickbacks from some of the fraudulent PPP applications submitted in other people’s names.
NFL Career and Background
Smallwood, a Wilmington, Delaware native, was drafted by the Eagles in 2016 out of West Virginia University. He spent three seasons with Philadelphia (including being part of the Super Bowl LII championship team in 2017), followed by shorter stints with Washington and the Pittsburgh Steelers. His NFL earnings over his six-season career are estimated at about $3 million.
Sentencing & Aftermath
In addition to the prison term, Smallwood has been ordered to pay restitution of $645,000 to the federal government. While prosecutors sought a longer sentence (around 33 months), the judge considered various factors and settled on 18 months. Smallwood has expressed remorse in court: “I feel like I let the community down. I let my family down. I have nobody to blame but myself.” His sentence is set to begin in mid-December, after he completes remaining coursework for a criminology degree at West Virginia University.
Additional Legal Issues
Smallwood’s legal troubles are not limited to the fraud charges. He is also facing felony charges in New Jersey for illegal possession of assault-style weapons and a large capacity ammunition magazine. These items were seized in a 2023 raid connected to the fraud investigation.
Why This Case Matters
This case is significant for several reasons:
Accountability for pandemic relief programs: It shows that misuse of COVID relief funds continues to draw federal scrutiny, even years after the height of the pandemic. Public figures held to standard: As a former NFL player, Smallwood’s downfall is a high-profile example that fame or past success does not shield anyone from consequences under the law. Impact on trust & policy: Cases like this erode public trust in relief programs; they also prompt tighter oversight and may lead to stricter eligibility requirements or vetting processes.
What’s Next
Smallwood will start serving his sentence in December, and must repay the full amount of restitution. The New Jersey weapons charges are pending; if convicted, those could add to his legal burden. There may be civil suits or further IRS action given the scale of the schemes
