Former Eagles RB Wendell Smallwood sentenced to 18 months for $645K COVID-19 fraud

Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood Jr., once a promising NFL talent, now faces a harsh reality. On September 18, Judge Richard G. Andrews sentenced Smallwood to 18 months in federal prison for orchestrating multiple pandemic-era fraud schemes worth over $600,000.

The fall from NFL glory to criminal conviction has stunned fans and marked a dramatic turn in the life of the Wilmington, Delaware native.

Wendell Smallwood’s fall from NFL glory to $645K COVID-19 fraud sentence

Smallwood’s football journey began in Wilmington, Delaware, with dreams of making it to the NFL. Drafted 153rd overall by the Eagles in 2016, he achieved a career highlight as part of the 2017 squad that secured Philadelphia’s first-ever Super Bowl title. However, his NFL career faced setbacks, with the Eagles cutting him from the final 53-player roster in 2019.

Brief stints with the Washington Redskins (2019) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2020) failed to reignite his professional career, leaving Smallwood at a crossroads.After leaving football, Smallwood turned to criminal activity. Federal prosecutors revealed that from 2020 to 2023, he orchestrated three separate schemes defrauding the U.S. government. Using fake Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications, along with fraudulent IRS tax filings, Smallwood siphoned or directed $645,000 for personal gain.

Investigators revealed that Smallwood’s scheme involved a network of accomplices, using shell companies and kickbacks to execute the fraud. A 2023 raid at his New Jersey home uncovered assault-style firearms and high-capacity magazines, adding a separate layer of legal trouble he must still address.

Wendell Smallwood expresses regret: "I have nobody to blame but myself"

At his hearing, Smallwood expressed remorse. “I feel like I let the community down. I let my family down. I have nobody to blame but myself,” he told Judge Andrews.

His attorney sought probation, citing his volunteer work with Wilmington’s Police Athletic League and challenging upbringing. Prosecutors highlighted the intentional and prolonged nature of the fraud.Also Read: Browns’ playoff hopes take a hit: Kicker and Punter injured ahead of Week 3 vs. PackersOnce a promising NFL talent, Wendell Smallwood now faces a stark reality. Judge Andrews sentenced him to 18 months in prison and ordered repayment of $645,000, marking a dramatic turn from his six-season career in the league. Smallwood will begin serving his sentence this December, after completing his criminology studies at West Virginia University.