Former Alabama Tackle Charged in $20M NFL Player Impersonation Fraud

Prosecutors say Luther Davis used wigs, makeup, and fake IDs to pose as pro athletes and scam investors.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:57pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a fake driver's license with the blurred face of an NFL player, conceptually representing the identity theft at the heart of this financial fraud case.A fraudulent financial scheme targeting professional athletes exposes vulnerabilities in remote transactions.Cleveland Today

A former University of Alabama defensive tackle named Luther Davis has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for allegedly impersonating several NFL players in a $20 million loan fraud scheme. Davis and his accomplice CJ Evins are accused of using wigs, makeup, and fake driver's licenses to pose as players like Michael Penix Jr., David Njoku, and Xavier McKinney on video calls with investors to secure millions in fraudulent loans.

Why it matters

The case highlights the growing problem of identity theft and financial fraud targeting professional athletes, whose fame and wealth can make them attractive targets for scammers. It also raises concerns about the vulnerability of remote financial transactions and the need for stronger verification measures to prevent such impersonation schemes.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Davis and Evins carried out the scheme over several months in 2024, using disguises to impersonate at least three different NFL players on video calls with investors. They allegedly obtained nearly $20 million through 13 fraudulent loans, which they used to purchase real estate, jewelry, and cars. The complaint states that none of the players had authorized Davis and Evins to obtain loans on their behalf.

  • In early 2024, Davis posed as an NFL player on a video call to finalize a $4 million loan.
  • In March 2024, Davis used a wig and head covering to impersonate another NFL player on a video call.
  • In July 2024, Davis again used a disguise to impersonate a third NFL player on a video call.

The players

Luther Davis

A former defensive tackle at the University of Alabama who is accused of leading the $20 million fraud scheme by impersonating several NFL players.

CJ Evins

An accomplice of Luther Davis who prosecutors say executed the scheme with him.

Michael Penix Jr.

An NFL player whose identity Davis allegedly impersonated as part of the fraud.

David Njoku

A former Cleveland Browns tight end whose identity Davis allegedly impersonated as part of the fraud.

Xavier McKinney

A Green Bay Packers player whose identity Davis allegedly impersonated as part of the fraud.

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What’s next

Davis and Evins are scheduled to return to court on April 27 to enter a guilty plea in the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of identity theft and financial fraud targeting professional athletes, whose fame and wealth can make them attractive targets for scammers. It also raises concerns about the vulnerability of remote financial transactions and the need for stronger verification measures to prevent such impersonation schemes.