Ex-Eagles player who won a Super Bowl is facing up to 50 years in prison

A member of the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII is facing serious federal charges after allegedly taking federal funds meant to help businesses during the pandemic.
According to Tom Dougherty of CBS News Philadelphia, former Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood has been charged in the District of Delaware with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service. Smallwood is accused of participating in a kickback scheme involving COVID-19 relief funds, which Dougherty said amounted to “tens of thousands of dollars.”
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Court documents allege that Smallwood applied for loans between May 2020 and June 2021 using three businesses in his name. He is accused of submitting false information to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program. Smallwood also allegedly participated in a tax fraud conspiracy. If convicted, he could face up to 50 years in prison.
Smallwood was selected by the Eagles in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. Although he was inactive for Super Bowl LII, he contributed to the team’s success by appearing in eight regular-season games as a running back and kick returner. During his three seasons with the Eagles, Smallwood rushed for 850 yards and five touchdowns on 211 carries. He also had 47 receptions for 388 yards and a touchdown as a receiver. Smallwood later had stints with the Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. According to Over the Cap, he earned $3.1 million during his NFL career.
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Chris Franklin may be reached at [email protected].