Former NFL running back Wendell Smallwood Jr., who has been incarcerated since 2024, has been approved for early release so he can spend time with his daughter as she battles cancer.
Smallwood, best known for his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, received an 18-month federal prison sentence in September 2025 after being convicted in a fraud case.
Federal prosecutors said the 32-year-old filed bogus tax returns and submitted fraudulent applications tied to Covid-19 pandemic relief programs, seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The former Super Bowl champion pleaded guilty to the federal charges in September 2024 and remained in custody while awaiting sentencing.
Smallwood was also serving a concurrent three-year state sentence after pleading guilty earlier this year in a separate New Jersey gun possession case.
That state conviction is now being unwound. Gloucester County Superior Court Judge Renard Scott withdrew Smallwood’s guilty plea on August 7, pointing to the serious illness of Smallwood’s daughter, according to Delaware Online.
Former NFL player Wendell Smallwood Jr. has been granted early release from prison
The Super Bowl winner will be able to remain close to his daughter Mila during her final days
Smallwood’s daughter, Mila, eight, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and the father-of-three will now be able to be by her side during her dying days.
Mila, Smallwood’s eldest child, was diagnosed with diffuse anaplastic Wilms tumor earlier this year – a rare and aggressive form of childhood kidney cancer.
She is said to have undergone rounds of chemotherapy treatment in between prison visits to see her father.
However, the treatment has reportedly been unsuccessful and Mila is now in palliative care with doctors saying she may have only days or weeks to live.
‘This is not just a matter of legal semantics,’ Smallwood’s attorney, Yaron Helmer, told the outlet. ‘It’s about whether his daughter will hold her dad again.’
Helmer added that Smallwood could be released as early as Monday, August 17.
A GoFundMe page was set up to support Smallwood’s wife Autumn and their family with the financial burden of the diagnosis. Autumn and Smallwood also share sons, Blaze and Scottie.
‘Since that day, life has become a whirlwind of hospital stays, treatments, procedures, and unimaginable decisions. Every day has required incredible strength from this family,’ the page read
Mila, eight, was diagnosed with diffuse anaplastic Wilms tumor earlier this year
Smallwood was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2016 NFL Draft
‘Most recently, Mila experienced another heartbreaking setback. The path forward now depends on how she heals in the coming days and on the guidance of additional expert opinions. Like any parent, Autumn and Wendell want to know they have explored every possible option available.
‘Throughout this journey, they have been surrounded by an incredible community. Family, friends, neighbors, classmates, and loved ones – including those like the Seider family – have blessed them with childcare support, prayers, cards, gifts, and unwavering love.
‘While that support has meant the world, the financial burden of this diagnosis and fight are beginning to mount.’
Smallwood’s early release was reportedly influenced by his federal prison record and participation in rehabilitation programs.
However, a July appeals court decision proved critical. The ruling that found New Jersey’s assault weapons ban to be unconstitutional allowed Smallwood to withdraw his plea on the unrelated gun possession case.
Smallwood was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2016 NFL Draft out of West Virginia University.
He played on the Eagles for two seasons, including during the team’s Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in 2018.
After leaving Philadelphia, Smallwood spent a season each with the Washington Commanders and Pittsburgh Steelers.
After spending time with Jacksonville, Smallwood was back in Washington for his final time on an NFL roster.
