Wendell Smallwood Jr., a former NFL running back known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, is reportedly being granted an early release from prison to be by the side of his 8-year-old daughter, Mila, as she battles terminal cancer. This decision comes after a New Jersey judge withdrew his guilty plea, allowing him to reunite with his daughter during her final days.
Smallwood, who has been incarcerated since 2024, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison in September 2025 on charges related to fraud involving COVID-19 economic relief programs. He had pleaded guilty in September 2024 and has been serving his sentence since then. In addition to the federal charges, Smallwood faced a concurrent three-year state prison sentence for an unrelated gun possession case, which he also pleaded guilty to earlier this year.
On August 7, Gloucester County Superior Court Judge Renard Scott made the decision to withdraw Smallwood’s state guilty plea, citing the serious health condition of his daughter as a compelling reason. This ruling follows a recent appeals court decision that deemed New Jersey’s assault weapons ban unconstitutional, which played a role in Smallwood's ability to challenge his plea.
Smallwood's early release is also supported by his good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs during his time in federal prison. His attorney, Yaron Helmer, emphasized the emotional significance of this ruling, stating, "This is not just a matter of legal semantics. It’s about whether his daughter will hold her dad again." The urgency of the situation is underscored by reports that Mila may only have days or weeks left to live.
According to local news sources, Mila was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and her condition has rapidly deteriorated. Helmer indicated that Smallwood could be released as soon as August 17, allowing him to be with his daughter during this critical time.
Wendell Smallwood Jr. began his professional football career after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played for the Eagles for several seasons before moving on to play with the Washington Commanders and the Pittsburgh Steelers. His journey in the NFL was marked by both promise and challenges, and this latest chapter highlights the personal struggles he faces beyond the field.
The decision to allow Smallwood to reunite with his daughter reflects the complexities of the legal system, especially in cases involving family emergencies. As he prepares to leave prison, the focus remains on the emotional reunion with his daughter, who is in dire need of her father's presence during her final moments.
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