Chad Wheeler’s career has been cut short because of his ongoing legal battles. The former OL has been facing lawsuits from his ex-girlfriend since 2021.
The case has been closed recently after Wheeler was found guilty of the charges, and the decision made is spelling out a bleak future for the former athlete.
Chad Wheeler domestic violence investigation
On Friday, it was announced that Chad Wheeler was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison. In 2021, Wheeler was arrested after the police found his then-girlfriend covered in blood and fractured.
According to ESPN, Wheeler strangled her twice, causing her to lose consciousness on both occasions. She suffered a fractured humerus and a dislocated elbow as a result of the attack.
Just after one day of arrest, the former OL was released on bail. However, the investigation of the case has continued since then, with the final decision being made for Chad Wheeler to serve in prison for 81 months. In November, he was found guilty of first- and second-degree domestic violence.
Reportedly, the former OL will also be placed under community supervision for three years after his sentence has been served.
Chad Wheeler is known to have a mental illness called bipolar disorder. The former OL did not plead guilty to any of the charges but accepted that he had been suffering mentally. He released an apology on Twitter,
“Events happened over the weekend that transpired from a manic episode. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to [the woman] and her family. I apologize profusely for the turmoil that I have caused to my family, teammates, fans and those closest to me.”
His team, the Seattle Seahawks, waived him after he was arrested. Now that his punishment has been announced, he will serve in jail for seven years. He is also ordered not to contact or meet his ex-girlfriend ever again.
Looking at Chad Wheeler’s NFL career
Chad Wheeler began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent out of USC in 2017. He signed with the New York Giants in April 2017, receiving a significant contract for an undrafted player.
Despite not being drafted, Wheeler competed for a roster spot during training camp and secured a backup role as a tackle. He made his regular-season debut in October 2017 and earned his first career start later that season due to injuries to other players. He continued to contribute to the team, earning a starting role in the 2018 season.
After his time with the New York Giants, Chad Wheeler joined the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad in October 2019. He was promoted to the active roster in January 2020. However, his NFL career came to an abrupt end in January 2021 when the Seahawks waived him following his arrest for domestic violence.
The incident and subsequent legal proceedings led to the termination of the former OL’s contract with the Seahawks. His legal battles and off-the-field issues overshadowed his NFL career, which has come to a possibly permanent end now.
