Wendell Smallwood Jr. Gets Early Prison Release for Daughter's Hospice

Judge Scott shared that the former Philadelphia Eagles running back—who pleaded guilty to the federal charges in September 2024 and state charges in December 2025—was not considered a danger to the community, and although he believes he made a "poor judgment call," the football player had taken responsibility. 

While the 33-year-old would have already been eligible for parole in connection with the federal sentence, his detention order was due to his possession of the AR-15, which was illegal in New Jersey at the time of his August 2023 arrest, his attorney Yaron Helmer told the outlet. 

"This is not just a matter of legal semantics," the lawyer—who added that Mila is currently receiving end-of-life care—argued. "It's about whether his daughter will hold her dad again."

The northeastern state had initially banned ownership of assault weapons, but a July decision from the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the ban was unconstitutional, providing legal grounds for Smallwood to withdraw his guilty plea.

Judge Scott noted that while Smallwood—who was not present for the hearing—would be eligible for full parole in November, it "very well may be too late" for the dad of three to say goodbye to his daughter.  

When Gloucester County Assistant Prosecutor Bryant Flowers requested that the judge pause his ruling while prosecutors appealed the decision, he replied, "I'm not going to grant the stay."

As Smallwood's family prepares for his release date, which has not yet been publicly disclosed, his wife Autumn Smallwood expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love.

"We felt the support from so many people, and we are truly grateful," she told The News Journal in an email. “We are grateful for this step forward, but our biggest fight is still Mila's. Please continue to keep her in your prayers as she continues to fight."

E! News has reached out to Smallwood's attorney for comment and has not yet heard back.