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Wendell Smallwood, a former NFL running back known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, has recently been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for his involvement in multiple fraud schemes tied to COVID-19 relief efforts. The case reveals a complex web of fraudulent applications, misuse of tax returns, and elaborate misrepresentations aimed at exploiting pandemic-aid programs.
What led to the charges?
Wendell Smallwood pleaded guilty in December 2024 to several charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the IRS. These stem from his admitted participation in fraudulent economic relief actions between 2020 and 2021.
How the fraud was carried out
- Smallwood submitted false tax returns and misrepresented income.
- He filed applications for relief through programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), using information about business operations that were false or misleading.
- Some businesses were defunct or newly registered, with inaccurate data on employees, revenue, expenses, and start dates.
- Smallwood also recruited or used other individuals to file for PPP loans, receiving kickbacks in exchange for preparing or submitting false applications.
Key details of the sentencing
- Sentence length: 18 months in federal prison.
- Restitution owed: $645,000.
- When sentence begins: He has been ordered to begin the sentence in December, after finishing some academic work.
- Judge: Richard G. Andrews.
Wendell Smallwood’s Football Background
- To understand how this case caught attention, it helps to know Smallwood’s journey in football.
- Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Smallwood played high school football at Red Lion Christian Academy.
- He played college football at West Virginia University.
- Drafted in 2016 by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 5th round.
- He was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl run in the 2017 season.
- After the Eagles, he had stints with the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers.
People Also Ask
Here are some common questions people are asking, with answers:
Who is Wendell Smallwood?
Wendell Smallwood Jr. is a former NFL running back, born in Wilmington, Delaware. He gained recognition for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing to their 2017 Super Bowl championship, before moving on to play for the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers.
What crimes did Smallwood commit?
Smallwood pleaded guilty to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the IRS. The crimes involved submitting false tax returns and fraudulent applications for COVID-19 relief funds, including PPP and EIDL loans.
How much money was involved and what restitution must he pay?
He must pay $645,000 in restitution. The schemes involved misusing COVID relief funds, including over $500,000 in aid, false tax returns totaling more than $110,000, and fraudulent relief claims submitted under several business names.
When did Smallwood plead guilty and when will he report to prison?
Smallwood entered his guilty plea in December 2024. His prison sentence of 18 months was ordered in September 2025, with reporting delayed until December to allow him to complete academic work, including finishing his degree.
What programs did he use to carry out the fraud?
- He misused government pandemic relief programs:
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program
- Also made false tax return filings to the IRS.
Broader Implications & Context
The Smallwood case is part of a larger wave of prosecutions and investigations into misuse of COVID-19 relief funds. Individuals, sometimes business owners, but also others not typically running legitimate businesses, exploited loopholes or made false claims to receive federal funds designed to help during the pandemic. These programs (PPP, EIDL) were massive, often processed quickly, which in some cases enabled fraudulent behavior.
This case also draws attention because Smallwood is a former professional athlete, with public visibility. That adds a social dimension: trust, reputation, and consequences when someone known publicly is convicted of wrongdoing.
What’s Next for Smallwood
- He’ll serve his sentence, though beginning in December after his school work finishes.
- Full restitution of $645,000 is required.
- Beyond the COVID‐relief fraud, he faces additional legal challenges, including charges in New Jersey related to weapons found during a raid.
Why This Case Matters
- It underscores that government relief programs, though essential, are subject to misuse, and that oversight / enforcement follow.
- Demonstrates that public figures are not immune from legal consequences.
- Serves as a deterrent: misuse of pandemic aid (PPP, EIDL, etc.) has led to serious legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions and concise answers:
What is Wendell Smallwood’s sentence?
He was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.
What restitution does he owe?
He must repay $645,000.
Did Smallwood plead guilty, and when?
Yes, he pleaded guilty in December 2024 to wire fraud, tax fraud, and conspiracy.
Which relief programs were misused in the fraud?
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs, plus fraudulent tax returns.
What was Smallwood’s NFL career like?
He was drafted in 2016 by the Eagles in the 5th round, won a Super Bowl with them in 2017, and later played for Washington and Pittsburgh.