In a turn of events that adds another chapter to his complex story, former Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood has pled guilty to a new felony charge. This comes as he is already serving time for a federal fraud case. Smallwood, who had a five-season run in the NFL after being drafted by Philadelphia in 2016, admitted to second-degree unlawful possession of an assault firearm earlier this month, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.
The plea deal has resulted in a three-year state prison sentence, with a stipulation that Smallwood must serve at least one year. This sentence will run concurrently with his existing federal sentence, as confirmed by his attorney, Yaron Helmer. Neither Helmer nor Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew Johns offered comments on the matter.
The firearm charge is linked to a 2023 raid on Smallwood's home in Mullica Hill, which was part of an investigation into his alleged fraudulent activities against the IRS. In 2024, Smallwood faced charges related to a kickback scheme, where he reportedly applied for loans using three businesses registered under his name between May 2020 and June 2021. The accusations included submitting falsified income statements and W-2s to secure funds from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and the Paycheck Protection Program, along with involvement in a tax fraud conspiracy.
Following his guilty plea, Smallwood was sentenced to 18 months in a federal facility and ordered to repay over $640,000 in restitution. Currently, he is serving time at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution, a low-security facility, with a release date set for February 15, 2027.
Smallwood's journey to the NFL was a dream come true, especially being drafted by his favorite team, the Eagles. Over his three seasons with Philadelphia, he accumulated 850 rushing yards and five touchdowns, alongside 47 receptions for 388 yards and a touchdown.
Despite being inactive for Super Bowl LII, he made contributions during the regular season, featuring in eight games as a running back and kick returner. His NFL journey continued with stints at the Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jacksonville Jaguars, with his final appearance on the field coming with the Commanders in 2021.