Source: Philadelphiaeagles.com

Who is Wendell Smallwood? Wendell Lynn Smallwood Jr. is a former NFL running back known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Born on January 20, 1994, in Wilmington, Delaware, Smallwood's journey from high school standout to professional athlete is marked by determination and resilience. At West Virginia University, he led the Big 12 Conference in rushing yards during his junior year. Drafted by the Eagles in 2016, he contributed to their first Super Bowl win in 2017. Despite his on-field success, his career faced challenges, including legal issues related to COVID-19 relief funds.

Key Takeaways:

Wendell Smallwood's journey from high school to the NFL was marked by impressive college stats and a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles, but legal troubles have overshadowed his career.
Despite facing challenges and controversies, Smallwood's legacy serves as a reminder that success in sports is not just about on-field achievements, but also about personal integrity and character.

Table of Contents

30 Facts About Wendell Smallwood

Early Life and High School

Wendell Smallwood's journey to the NFL began in Wilmington, Delaware. His early years were marked by both promise and challenges.

Full Name and Birthdate: Wendell Lynn Smallwood Jr. was born on January 20, 1994.
Early Life: Smallwood grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, and attended Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Delaware, before transferring to Eastern Christian Academy in Elkton, Maryland, for his senior year.
High School Career: As a highly rated three-star recruit, Smallwood received offers from several colleges, including West Virginia University, Boston College, Connecticut, Hawaii, Rutgers, and Temple. He chose to commit to West Virginia University (WVU) to play college football.

College Football Career

Smallwood's college years at West Virginia University were pivotal in shaping his professional career. His performance on the field caught the attention of NFL scouts.

College Football Career: At West Virginia University, Smallwood played as a true freshman in 2013 and made a significant impact. He played in 12 games, rushing for 221 yards on 39 carries with one touchdown. He also served as a kick returner, returning 30 kickoffs for a total of 541 yards.
Sophomore Season: In his sophomore year, Smallwood played in all 13 games and made nine starts. He had 722 rushing yards on 148 carries and two touchdowns. He also recorded 31 receptions, which was fifth most in school history for a single season.
Junior Season: As a junior in 2015, Smallwood rushed for a Big 12 Conference-leading 1,519 yards on 238 carries with nine touchdowns. With 2,462 rushing yards in his collegiate career, he finished ninth in school history. After the season, he decided to forego his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL draft.
College Major: While at West Virginia, Smallwood majored in criminology with a minor in communications.

NFL Draft and Rookie Season

Smallwood's transition from college to the NFL was marked by his selection in the 2016 NFL Draft and his debut season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

NFL Draft: Smallwood was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL draft with the 153rd overall pick.
NFL Debut: On September 25, 2016, Smallwood scored his first career rushing touchdown in a 34–3 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Due to an ankle injury limiting starter Ryan Mathews to only two carries, Smallwood was the featured back for the Eagles, recording 89 yards and the touchdown on 17 carries.
Rookie Season: In his rookie season, Smallwood finished with 312 rushing yards and a touchdown. He was placed on injured reserve on December 12, 2016, due to an ankle injury.

Career with the Philadelphia Eagles

Smallwood's time with the Eagles was highlighted by his contributions to the team's success, including their historic Super Bowl win.

Second Season: In the 2017 season, Smallwood finished with 174 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, 13 receptions, and 103 receiving yards. During his second year in the NFL, the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots by a score of 41–33, giving them their first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
Career with Eagles: Smallwood played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016 to 2018. During his time with the Eagles, he played in 41 games, starting seven of them. He rushed for 931 yards on 233 carries and scored five touchdowns. He was also involved in the passing game, catching 56 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns.

Stints with Other NFL Teams

After his time with the Eagles, Smallwood continued his career with several other NFL teams, though with varying degrees of success.

Career with Redskins: In 2019, Smallwood joined the Washington Redskins. His career with the Redskins was marked by limited playing time and a struggle to regain his form from his earlier years with the Eagles.
Career with Steelers: Smallwood also played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His stint with the Steelers was brief but notable, as he continued to contribute to the team despite facing stiff competition from other running backs.
Career with Jaguars: Finally, Smallwood played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His time with the Jaguars was another brief stint, but he remained committed to his career in the NFL.

Career Statistics and Achievements

Smallwood's professional career, though not long, was marked by several notable achievements and statistics.

Career Statistics: Throughout his NFL career, Smallwood accumulated 238 carries for 956 yards, 60 catches for 474 yards, and scored eight touchdowns.
Height and Weight: Smallwood stands at 5 feet 10 inches (1.79 meters) and weighs 208 pounds (94 kilograms).
NFL Combine Stats: At the NFL Combine, Smallwood recorded impressive stats, including a 40-yard dash time of 4.47 seconds, a 10-yard split of 1.57 seconds, and a 20-yard split of 2.63 seconds. He also performed well in the three-cone drill and vertical jump.
College Statistics: At West Virginia University, Smallwood accumulated over 2,462 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in his collegiate career. He also had 31 receptions in his sophomore season, which was fifth most in school history for a single season.
Awards and Honors: Smallwood earned All-Big 12 honors in his sophomore season at West Virginia University. His impressive performance on the field earned him recognition and accolades from both his college and professional teams.

Personal Life and Legal Issues

Smallwood's personal life has been marked by both privacy and controversy, including recent legal troubles.

Personal Life: Despite his public success, Smallwood keeps his personal life largely private. There is limited information available about his wife and siblings.
Legal Issues: As of 2024, Smallwood is facing wire fraud and conspiracy charges related to COVID-19 relief funds. This legal trouble has overshadowed his football achievements and significantly impacted his public image.

Financial Status and Legacy

Smallwood's financial status and legacy in the NFL reflect both his on-field achievements and off-field controversies.

Net Worth: Smallwood’s net worth is estimated at $3 million as of 2024. This amount comes from his time in the NFL, including the contracts he signed during his brief career.
Career Impact: Despite a relatively short NFL career, Smallwood made enough of an impact to earn a decent sum during his playing days. His contributions to the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly during their Super Bowl-winning season, are still remembered by fans and analysts alike.
Legacy: Smallwood’s legacy in the NFL is complex. On one hand, he was a promising young running back who showed flashes of brilliance on the field. On the other hand, his off-field controversies and legal issues have overshadowed his football achievements.

Community Involvement and Player Profile

Smallwood's involvement in the community and his player profile provide a fuller picture of his career and character.

Off-Field Controversies: Smallwood’s career has been marked by both on-field success and off-field controversies. His legal issues involving fraud charges have significantly impacted his public image and legacy.
Community Involvement: There is limited information available about Smallwood’s community involvement or charitable work. However, his commitment to his career and the sport of football is evident in his dedication to training and competing at the highest level.
Player Profile: Smallwood’s player profile includes his impressive college statistics, his NFL draft details, and his professional career highlights. He is remembered for his ability to perform both as a rusher and a receiver, making him a valuable asset to any team he played for.

Career Timeline and Conclusion

Smallwood's career timeline highlights the key moments and transitions in his journey from college football to the NFL.

Career Timeline: Smallwood’s career timeline includes his early days at West Virginia University, his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles, and his subsequent stints with other NFL teams. His career was marked by brief flashes of brilliance but ultimately ended due to a combination of on-field struggles and off-field controversies.
Conclusion: Wendell Smallwood’s story is one of both promise and disappointment. Despite facing significant challenges, he remained committed to his career in the NFL. His legacy serves as a reminder that success in sports is not solely defined by on-field achievements but also by personal integrity and character.

Wendell Smallwood's Complex Legacy

Wendell Smallwood's journey in football is a mix of highs and lows. From his early days at Red Lion Christian Academy to his standout college career at West Virginia University, he showed promise and determination. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, he contributed to their first Super Bowl win, a highlight of his career. Despite his on-field success, his time in the NFL was marred by injuries and limited playing time with teams like the Redskins, Steelers, and Jaguars. Off the field, legal troubles related to COVID-19 relief funds have cast a shadow over his achievements. Smallwood's story is a reminder that success in sports isn't just about talent but also character and choices. His legacy remains a blend of impressive football moments and personal challenges, making him a memorable yet complex figure in the NFL.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat teams has Wendell Smallwood played for in the NFL?

Wendell Smallwood has dashed across fields for several NFL teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, where his professional journey kicked off. Afterward, he sprinted his way to the Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Commanders) and also had stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Each team has seen a bit of Smallwood's versatility on the field.

QHow did Wendell Smallwood perform in college?

Before making waves in the NFL, Smallwood showcased his skills at West Virginia University. There, he was a standout player, known for his impressive rushing yards and ability to dodge defenders. His college career set the stage for his entry into professional football, proving he had the chops to compete at a higher level.

QWhat's Wendell Smallwood's most memorable NFL moment?

Among his highlights, one that sticks out is Smallwood's performance with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl LII winning season. Though not a front-and-center star of the game, his contributions throughout the season helped pave the way for the team's ultimate victory, marking a pinnacle in his career.

QCan Wendell Smallwood contribute to special teams?

Absolutely! Smallwood isn't just a running back; he's also made his mark on special teams. His speed and agility come in handy during kick returns, adding another layer to his game. Teams looking for a dual-threat player often see Smallwood as a valuable asset in this regard.

QWhat challenges has Wendell Smallwood faced in his career?

Like many athletes, Smallwood has navigated his fair share of hurdles. From injuries that sidelined him to the competitive nature of securing a spot on the active roster, he's had to prove his resilience and determination. Despite these challenges, Smallwood's passion for the game shines through, keeping him motivated.

QWhat's next for Wendell Smallwood?

While predicting the future in sports can be tricky, Smallwood's track record suggests he's not slowing down anytime soon. Whether it's fighting for more playing time or contributing to a team's success in any way he can, Smallwood remains focused on making his mark in the NFL. Fans and teams alike are eager to see where his journey takes him next.

QHow can fans follow Wendell Smallwood's career?

Fans looking to keep up with Smallwood's adventures on and off the field can check out social media platforms where he's active. From thrilling game-day photos to training updates, Smallwood shares glimpses of his professional life, keeping supporters in the loop and part of his ongoing journey.

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