Former NFL Player Granted Early Release to Be With Dying Daughter

Former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion Wendell Smallwood Jr. has been granted an early release from prison to spend time with his 8-year-old daughter, Mila, who is battling a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. The decision was made by a New Jersey judge on August 7, 2026, and Smallwood could be released as early as August 17.

Gloucester County Superior Court Judge Renard Scott granted the motion, citing the seriousness of Mila's condition. "This is an illness that is untreatable," Scott said during the hearing. "His daughter has days, possibly weeks remaining." The judge noted that Smallwood was not considered a danger to the community and was only about three months away from qualifying for full parole.

Mila was diagnosed earlier this year with diffuse anaplastic Wilms tumor, a rare type of childhood kidney cancer. After unsuccessful chemotherapy, she is now receiving palliative care. Smallwood's attorney, Yaron Helmer, stressed the urgency of the situation. "They can't do anything except make her comfortable now," Helmer said. "I can't think of a stronger reason than to be with his dying daughter."

The legal path to Smallwood's release involved two key...