Ex-Alabama Player Accused of Impersonating NFL Stars in $20M Loan Scam

Luther Davis and CJ Evins allegedly used disguises to pose as Michael Penix Jr., David Njoku, and Xavier McKinney to secure fraudulent loans.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a fraudulent driver's license or identity document, lit by a harsh camera flash against a dark background, conveying a sense of gritty investigation into the details of a financial crime.A stark, forensic examination of the tools used in an alleged $20 million fraud scheme targeting NFL players' identities.Seattle Today

A former University of Alabama football player named Luther Davis and his partner CJ Evins are accused of impersonating multiple NFL players, including Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr., to secure nearly $20 million in loans between May 2023 and October 2024. Davis allegedly used wigs, makeup, and fake IDs to carry out the scheme, which targeted a total of three NFL players. Prosecutors confirmed the athletes were victims and not participants in the fraud.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of identity theft and fraud targeting high-profile athletes, exposing vulnerabilities in the financial system and the need for stronger safeguards to protect individuals' personal information. It also raises concerns about the mental health and motivations of the accused, who allegedly went to great lengths to impersonate these players.

The details

According to court documents, Davis and Evins obtained at least 13 loans totaling more than $19.8 million by using the identities of three NFL players: Michael Penix Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku, and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney. To carry out the scheme, Davis allegedly wore a wig, durag, and makeup, and provided a fake driver's license to secure one of the loans.

  • The alleged fraud took place between May 2023 and October 2024.
  • A plea hearing for Davis and Evins is scheduled for later this month.

The players

Luther Davis

A former University of Alabama football player who was a member of the Crimson Tide's 2009 national championship team.

CJ Evins

Davis' partner who was allegedly involved in the impersonation scheme.

Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback and former University of Washington player who was one of the NFL stars impersonated in the fraud.

David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end who was also impersonated in the alleged scam.

Xavier McKinney

Green Bay Packers safety who was the third NFL player targeted in the impersonation scheme.

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What’s next

A plea hearing for Davis and Evins is scheduled for later this month, where they will face multiple charges of fraud and identity theft.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing problem of identity theft targeting high-profile athletes, exposing vulnerabilities in the financial system and the need for stronger safeguards to protect individuals' personal information. It also raises concerns about the mental health and motivations of the accused, who allegedly went to great lengths to impersonate these players.