A former University of Alabama football player has been arrested and charged with orchestrating a sophisticated identity theft scheme that allegedly defrauded investors of more than $20 million by impersonating prominent NFL stars, according to court documents unsealed this week in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The defendant, identified as 29-year-old DeAngelo Benton, a former Crimson Tide defensive back who played for Alabama from 2013 to 2016, is accused of using forged documents, fake social media profiles, and counterfeit endorsement contracts to pose as current and former NFL players including star quarterbacks, Pro Bowl receivers, and Super Bowl champions.
Benton allegedly contacted wealthy individuals and private investment groups under the guise of representing these athletes, promising exclusive access to private equity deals, cryptocurrency ventures, and luxury real estate opportunities backed by the supposed NFL stars’ names and reputations. Prosecutors say he collected funds through wire transfers and cryptocurrency payments, then diverted the money for personal use, including luxury car purchases, high-end watches, and international travel.
According to an FBI affidavit filed in Philadelphia, Benton used Photoshop-altered images of NFL players’ signatures, fabricated letters on fake team letterhead, and spoofed email domains that closely resembled those of legitimate sports agencies and financial advisors. In one instance, he allegedly sent a forged contract purporting to be from a Super Bowl-winning quarterback offering a 25% return on a $500,000 investment in a “private sports tech fund.”
The scheme unraveled after several victims attempted to verify the legitimacy of the opportunities through official NFL player associations and team representatives, only to discover no such agreements existed. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) confirmed to Archysport that it had been contacted by multiple individuals who believed they were dealing with authenticated player representatives, prompting the union to refer the matter to federal authorities.
“We take any misuse of our members’ names, likenesses, or reputations extremely seriously,” said an NFLPA spokesperson who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. “Although we cannot comment on specific legal proceedings, we work closely with law enforcement to protect players from identity exploitation and will continue to assist in any way possible.”
Benton, who went undrafted after his college career and briefly signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 2017 before being released during training camp, faces multiple counts including wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. Each wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, while aggravated identity theft mandates a consecutive two-year sentence.
Court records display Benton made his initial appearance before a magistrate judge in Philadelphia on Tuesday, where he was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for next week. He has not entered a plea, and his federal public defender declined to comment on the case.
The alleged fraud spans from late 2021 through early 2024, with victims located in Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, and California. Investigators say they have identified over 30 separate transactions totaling approximately $20.3 million, though they believe the actual number of victims and total amount stolen may be higher as the investigation continues.
Federal prosecutors emphasized the sophistication of the deception, noting Benton’s use of detailed knowledge about NFL contracts, endorsement structures, and athlete lifestyles to build credibility. “This wasn’t a random scam,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Chen during a press briefing. “He studied how athletes operate, what investors expect, and exploited that gap with precision.”
Benton’s time at Alabama coincided with the Crimson Tide’s 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship victory under head coach Nick Saban. Though he saw limited playing time as a backup defensive back, he was listed on the team’s roster and participated in spring practices and team activities during his tenure in Tuscaloosa.
University of Alabama athletics officials confirmed Benton was a former student-athlete but declined to comment further, citing student privacy laws and the ongoing legal proceedings. “We are aware of the allegations involving a former student-athlete,” said a university spokesperson. “The matter is being handled by the appropriate legal authorities, and we will cooperate fully if contacted.”
The case highlights growing concerns about identity fraud in the sports world, particularly as athletes’ social media profiles and personal brands become increasingly valuable assets. Experts warn that the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and athlete-backed investment platforms has created new opportunities for impersonators to exploit public trust.
As of this writing, Benton remains in federal custody at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia. A preliminary hearing is set for next month, where prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence, including email logs, financial records, and testimony from alleged victims.
This story is developing. Archysport will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as more information becomes available through official court channels and verified law enforcement sources.
Have you or someone you know been approached by someone claiming to represent an NFL player with an investment opportunity? Share your experience in the comments below — your input could help others avoid similar scams.
