Ex-NFL Player Freed to See Dying Daughter

Wendell Smallwood Jr., a former running back for the Eagles and Steelers, has been released from prison early to be with his terminally ill daughter. A judge approved his motion to withdraw his guilty plea, allowing him this critical time.

Smallwood's eight-year-old daughter, Mila, was diagnosed in 2026 with diffuse anaplastic Wilms tumor, a rare and aggressive childhood kidney cancer. She is currently in palliative care, with doctors estimating she has only days or weeks left to live following unsuccessful chemotherapy.

Last September, Smallwood began an 18-month sentence for a COVID-related fraud scheme. He had pleaded guilty in December 2024 to wire fraud, conspiracy, and tax fraud related to economic relief programs. Additionally, he was sentenced to three years for unlawful possession of an AR-15 rifle.

However, a recent court ruling in July found New Jersey's ban on assault weapons unconstitutional, providing grounds for Smallwood to challenge his firearm conviction. An emergency hearing on August 7 recognized his daughter's critical condition as a significant factor in granting his release motion.