NFL Player Impersonation Scheme Sentences CJ Evins to Six Years

Federal authorities sentenced 29‑year‑old CJ Evins to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Evins participated in a scheme that sought nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans by impersonating NFL players, including Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku. The fraud involved forged driver’s licenses, wigs and makeup to appear as the athletes during virtual loan meetings.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said the sentence, which must be served without parole, sends a clear message that impersonating public figures for fraud will be prosecuted. Evins’ co‑defendant, former Alabama defensive tackle Luther Davis, described as the mastermind, is scheduled for sentencing in a Georgia federal court on October 29.

The case highlights the use of high‑profile identities to facilitate large‑scale financial crimes and underscores law‑enforcement focus on identity‑theft schemes.