Former Alabama Player Accused of Using NFL Identities in $20 Million Loan Fraud

A former Alabama football player has been charged with wire fraud and identity theft after allegedly using wigs, fake driver's licenses, and fabricated documents to impersonate NFL players in order to secure nearly $20 million in loans, according to federal court records.

Prosecutors allege the individual pretended to be three NFL players from May 2023 through October 2024 to obtain loans from multiple lending agencies. , former Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney.

Court documents state that none of the players authorized the loans and that fake email accounts were created without their knowledge. The accused and an alleged partner are scheduled for plea hearings on April 27. The partner is also charged with wire fraud and identity theft in the same case and is expected to plead guilty, according to an attorney representing him.

The accused's attorney did not respond to requests for comment. " to apply for the loans, which correspond to the players' identities. To convince lenders, they allegedly created fabricated personal financial statements, Secretary of State documents, and bank statements for companies purportedly operated by the players.

They also registered companies with names similar to those of the players. The accused reportedly appeared in disguise at loan closings, using wigs, makeup, and fake driver's licenses to impersonate the players. For example, on January 22, 2024, the accused allegedly impersonated Njoku during a video conference to close a $4 million promissory note with a lender and underwriter.

The fake Georgia driver's license used did not belong to Njoku but to a woman in Savannah, Georgia. 4 million loan, impersonating McKinney. 3 million promissory note with a fake Florida driver's license.

8 million. Funds were wired to accounts controlled by the accused and the partner for fake companies they created, then transferred to companies they actually owned. In February 2025, one lender filed a lawsuit against another in Florida's 11th Circuit Court alleging negligence, gross negligence, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment related to the loans.

A representative for the suing lender stated they are working to protect investors from improper conduct that caused damage to the fund.