Wendell Smallwood wins legal battle to see dying daughter
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 6:32 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Former NFL running back Wendell Smallwood Jr. has won a legal battle allowing him to be released from prison to spend time with his daughter, Mila, who is terminally ill. On August 7, a New Jersey judge ruled in favor of Smallwood, citing the critical condition of his daughter, who is in palliative care after unsuccessful chemotherapy for cancer. Smallwood had previously served time for felony wire fraud and unlawful possession of a firearm, but a recent ruling by the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals allowed him to withdraw his guilty plea related to the firearm charge. His release is anticipated as soon as today, August 10. Smallwood's family expresses hope during this difficult time and seeks continued support as Mila fights her illness.
- •Smallwood's daughter diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2026
- •Judge granted Smallwood release due to daughter's illness
- •Initial guilty plea was for wire fraud and gun possession
- •Release could occur as soon as August 10
- •Family seeks prayers for Mila's fight against cancer
- 6:32 PMYahoo Sports — Imprisoned NFL Running Back Gets Early Release to Be by 8-Year-Old Daughter’s Side as She Dies
- 11:46 PMYahoo Sports — Former Eagles, Steelers RB granted prison release to see dying daughter
- 4:11 PMYahoo Sports — Former NFL running back wins legal battle to see his dying daughter
"Former NFL RB Wendell Smallwood Jr. won a legal battle to be released from jail and spend time with his daughter in her final days.
"Former Eagles and Steelers running back Wendell Smallwood was granted an early prison release to see his dying daughter.
"Wendell Smallwood Jr., 32, had his guilty plea in a New Jersey gun possession case withdrawn by a judge on Aug. 7
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 6:32 PMImprisoned NFL Running Back Gets Early Release to Be by 8-Year-Old Daughter’s Side as She Dies
Wendell Smallwood Jr., 32, had his guilty plea in a New Jersey gun possession case withdrawn by a judge on Aug. 7
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 11:46 PMFormer Eagles, Steelers RB granted prison release to see dying daughter
Former Eagles and Steelers running back Wendell Smallwood was granted an early prison release to see his dying daughter.
- Yahoo SportsAug 10, 2026, 4:11 PMFormer NFL running back wins legal battle to see his dying daughter
Former NFL RB Wendell Smallwood Jr. won a legal battle to be released from jail and spend time with his daughter in her final days.
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