Wendell Smallwood, a name once synonymous with NFL action, now finds itself entangled in headlines for drastically different reasons. Born on January 20, 1994, in Wilmington, Delaware, Smallwood rose to prominence through his achievements on the field, notably as a running back for the Philadelphia Eagles. His career arc spans the joy of a Super Bowl victory to the sobering realities of legal troubles stemming from fraud allegations.
Early Life and College Achievements
Smallwood’s path to professional football began at Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Delaware, before he transferred to Eastern Christian Academy in Maryland for his senior year. Rated as a three-star recruit, he committed to West Virginia University, where his football prowess quickly shone.
- 2013 (Freshman Year): Smallwood posted 221 rushing yards and a single touchdown, hinting at his potential.
- 2014 (Sophomore Year): His yardage jumped to 722, with two touchdowns.
- 2015 (Junior Year): Smallwood led the Big 12 Conference with 1,519 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, cementing himself as a standout player.
In total, his collegiate career ended with 2,462 rushing yards, ranking him ninth in West Virginia’s school history, a testament to his consistency and growth.
NFL Career Highlights
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Smallwood in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, bringing him into the professional spotlight. Over three seasons with the Eagles, Smallwood showcased his versatility and resilience.
Rookie Season (2016)
Smallwood debuted with immediate impact. He scored his first NFL touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded 312 rushing yards by the season’s end. Notably, he also returned a kickoff for a touchdown, the first in the league that year.
Super Bowl Glory (2017)
Smallwood was part of the Eagles’ historic Super Bowl LII victory. While his contributions (174 rushing yards, one touchdown) weren’t headline-grabbing, his reliability during the regular season helped maintain the team’s momentum.
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2018 Season
Smallwood’s role expanded with 364 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and 28 receptions for 230 receiving yards, alongside two receiving touchdowns. His performances in critical games helped the Eagles make another playoff push.
In his tenure with the Eagles, Smallwood tallied 238 carries for 956 rushing yards and a total of eight touchdowns across all competitions.
Post-Eagles Stints
After the Eagles waived him in 2019, Smallwood joined the Washington Football Team. His time there and subsequent stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars were brief and less impactful, marking a quiet end to his NFL career.
Legal Troubles
In stark contrast to his NFL achievements, Smallwood now faces serious legal issues related to alleged COVID-19 relief fraud. Federal prosecutors have charged him with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
Allegations in Detail
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Fraud
Smallwood allegedly submitted false applications for EIDL funds, citing defunct or newly created businesses to secure $46,000 in loans. - Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Scheme
He is accused of participating in a kickback scheme, filing fraudulent PPP applications, and securing $269,000 in payouts. - Tax Fraud Conspiracy
Smallwood allegedly prepared false tax returns, resulting in over $110,000 in fraudulent refunds.
These charges carry severe consequences. If convicted, Smallwood could face up to 50 years in prison and fines exceeding $750,000.
Public and Legal Reactions
Smallwood’s attorney, Mark B. Sheppard, emphasized his client’s cooperation with investigators, expressing confidence in an eventual acquittal. The case, scheduled for a hearing in December, continues to unfold, drawing attention not only from sports fans but also from legal observers.
A Shocking Shift
Smallwood’s story serves as a striking example of the challenges athletes can face after their playing days. From the high of a Super Bowl win to the looming reality of legal repercussions, his trajectory has veered sharply. Fans and former teammates are left grappling with the news, as Smallwood prepares for what could be the fight of his life.