Seattle, Washington – Former NFL offensive linesman Chad Wheeler has been sentenced to 81 months in prison for a vicious attack on his girlfriend in November 2021. The sentencing, which took place on March 1, also included a ban on any contact with the victim and an order to pay immediate restitution.
Wheeler, a former player for the New York Giants who is still young enough to continue playing, was found guilty of first-degree assault domestic violence on November 9. The violent incident, which left the victim with a concussion and in need of metal instruments to maintain motion in her arm, occurred after she refused Wheeler’s demands.
Despite Wheeler’s athletic prowess and physical stature – standing at 6’7 and weighing 317lbs – his career took a dark turn due to what he described as a “manic” moment. He had a brief stint with the Giants before joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, where the assault took place.
Throughout his career, Wheeler faced physical challenges, including overcoming serious injuries to his ACL and ankle. Despite his struggles, he managed to play in 32 NFL games with 19 starts, making one fumble recovery. His performance at the NFL Combine was lackluster, with a vertical jump of 24″ and a 40-yard dash of 5.28.
The victim, Alleah Taylor, expressed relief and a sense of justice being served with Wheeler’s sentencing, after a long legal process. Following the attack, Taylor had called for Wheeler to be held accountable, leading to his imprisonment. The assault not only had physical repercussions but also left emotional scars on Taylor.
In the wake of this incident, many are calling for increased awareness of domestic violence issues and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. Wheeler’s case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the need for support for victims in such situations. As Wheeler begins his prison sentence, Taylor and others affected by similar acts of violence hope for healing and justice.