Wendell Smallwood Wiki, Bio, Networth, Partner, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Wendell Smallwood

Wendell Lynn Smallwood Jr. is a former American football running back known for his tenure in the National Football League (NFL). A standout player at West Virginia University, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. His professional career included a Super Bowl LII championship with the Eagles, showcasing his talent as a versatile running back and kick returner. Smallwood also played for the Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and had brief stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington Football Team before his football career concluded.

Wendell Smallwood Overview

Early Life and Education of Wendell Smallwood

Wendell Smallwood was born in Wilmington, Delaware, to his parents, Wendell Smallwood Sr. and Nichelle Barber. Growing up in a challenging environment, he found an outlet and a passion in football from a young age. Smallwood began his high school football journey at Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Delaware. He later transferred to Eastern Christian Academy in Elkton, Maryland, for his senior year to further develop his skills. His performance on the field garnered attention from college recruiters, and he was rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com. After receiving offers from several universities, he committed to playing college football for West Virginia University.

Wendell Smallwood’s Career

College Career at West Virginia

Smallwood enrolled at West Virginia University, where he majored in criminology with a minor in communications. As a true freshman in 2013, he immediately saw playing time, rushing for 221 yards and one touchdown, while also serving as a kick returner. His role expanded in his sophomore year, where he rushed for 722 yards and two touchdowns. Smallwood’s junior year in 2015 was his breakout season. He led the Big 12 Conference in rushing with an impressive 1,519 yards and nine touchdowns. This stellar performance earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors. With 2,462 career rushing yards, he finished his collegiate career ranked ninth in school history. Following his successful junior season, Smallwood decided to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.

Professional NFL Journey

Wendell Smallwood’s dream of playing professional football became a reality when the Philadelphia Eagles, his childhood favorite team, selected him in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. Growing up, his favorite player was Duce Staley, who coincidentally became his position coach with the Eagles.

In his rookie season, Smallwood showed flashes of potential, scoring his first career rushing touchdown in a victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He finished his first year with 312 rushing yards and a touchdown. The following season was a historic one for the Eagles. Although Smallwood’s statistical contributions were modest, with 174 rushing yards and one touchdown, he was part of the team that defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, earning him a championship ring. His most productive season with the Eagles came in 2018, where he recorded 364 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and two receiving touchdowns.

After being waived by the Eagles in 2019, Smallwood was claimed by the Washington Redskins, where he played for one season. He then had a brief tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, primarily on their practice squad. His final NFL engagements were with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington Football Team in 2021, though his time with both teams was short-lived, marking the end of his professional football career.

Wendell Smallwood Personal Life & Family

Wendell Smallwood is the son of Wendell Smallwood Sr. and Nichelle Barber. He is married to Autumn Smallwood. He grew up as an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. Beyond football, Smallwood has been noted for his difficult upbringing in Wilmington. While at West Virginia University, he pursued a degree in criminology. He is reportedly completing his bachelor’s degree online from West Virginia University.

Awards and Achievements of Wendell Smallwood

• Super Bowl Champion (LII)
• Second-team All-Big 12 (2015)

Wendell Smallwood Net Worth and Income

Estimating Wendell Smallwood’s net worth as of 2025 is complex due to his recent legal issues. During his six seasons in the NFL, he earned an estimated $3 million in salary and bonuses. However, following his football career, he was ordered to pay $645,000 in restitution for fraud, which significantly impacts his financial standing. Older reports from 2022 estimated his net worth to be around $15 million, but this figure is likely not accurate given the recent developments.

Legacy and Influence

Wendell Smallwood’s legacy is a multifaceted story of athletic achievement and personal challenges. On the field, he is remembered as a talented running back who realized his childhood dream of playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and contributed to their historic Super Bowl LII victory. His journey from the tough streets of Wilmington to the pinnacle of professional sports served as an inspiration to many in his community. However, his post-NFL life and legal troubles have added a complicated chapter to his public image.

Interesting Facts about Wendell Smallwood

• He was a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles long before being drafted by them.
• His favorite player growing up, Duce Staley, later became his running backs coach for the Eagles.
• In his final year at West Virginia, he led the entire Big 12 Conference in rushing yards.
• He finished his college career as one of the top ten rushers in West Virginia University’s history.

Controversies

Early Career Controversy

Shortly after being drafted in 2016, some old, offensive tweets from Smallwood’s teenage years surfaced, in which he made derogatory comments about Philadelphia. He quickly deleted his Twitter account and issued an apology, stating that the posts were made when he was young and that his views had since changed. He took responsibility for his past statements and expressed his embarrassment.

COVID-19 Relief Fraud Case

In a more significant and career-altering controversy, Wendell Smallwood was charged with multiple felonies in November 2024 related to defrauding federal COVID-19 relief programs. Prosecutors stated that between 2020 and 2023, Smallwood orchestrated schemes to fraudulently obtain funds from programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for defunct or non-existent businesses. The total amount of fraud was determined to be over $645,000. He pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the IRS. In September 2025, he was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to pay back the full amount. At his sentencing, Smallwood expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I feel like I let the community down.”

Social Media Presence

Wendell Smallwood has maintained a presence on social media platforms, though his activity has varied. Specific and current follower counts are not readily available as his accounts may have become private or less active following his legal issues.

Final Words about Wendell Smallwood

Wendell Smallwood’s biography is a compelling narrative of talent, success, and significant personal challenges. From a promising high school athlete to a Big 12 rushing leader and a Super Bowl champion, his career on the football field was marked by notable achievements. His life after football, however, has been defined by serious legal troubles that have led to a federal prison sentence. As he works towards completing his college degree, the next chapter of his life will be focused on fulfilling his legal obligations and seeking a path to redemption away from the football field.