New Delhi, Sept. 20 -- Wendell Smallwood Jr, a former Philadelphia Eagles running back, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for orchestrating schemes that defrauded the government of over $645,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. The Delaware native, once a key player in the Eagles' 2017 Super Bowl victory, turned to crime after his NFL career faltered.

Wendell Smallwood Jr, born in Wilmington, Delaware, realized his dream of playing for the Philadelphia Eagles when he was drafted as the 153rd overall pick in 2016. His career highlight came in 2017, contributing to the Eagles' first Super Bowl win in franchise history.

However, after being sidelined by the Eagles in 2019, Smallwood struggled to maintain his NFL career with brief ...