SAN DIEGO – Kellen Winslow II, who once played as a tight end for the Cleveland Browns, has publicly shown remorse for his past actions and stated his desire to become a “productive individual” as he attempts to reduce his prison sentence under newly established state criminal justice laws.

The former first-round NFL draft choice has shared details about his time in prison and referenced earlier traumatic experiences, including childhood sexual abuse, sustaining around 100 concussions throughout his football career beginning in high school, and a motorcycle accident in 2005 that resulted in depression.

He included these details in a written statement accompanying a fresh petition submitted last week to a California state appeals court. A copy of this petition was acquired by YSL News Sports. Winslow has also engaged a new attorney for this cause after facing rejection from a Superior Court judge in 2023 while representing himself in handwriting.

“I am committed to being a productive person when released, and I will always feel remorse for what I did to the victims in my case,” Winslow noted in a signed declaration attached to his new habeas corpus petition.

What actions did Kellen Winslow II take?

At 41, Winslow was sentenced in 2021 to 14 years behind bars after being found guilty of several horrific sexual offenses against five women in San Diego County. Among these crimes were the rape of an unconscious woman in 2003 and another against a homeless woman in 2018. The victims were predominantly disadvantaged or incapacitated, including a hitchhiker he picked up in 2018 and a 77-year-old woman in a local gym.

His recent petition references state laws that could reinterpret his sentencing, potentially resulting in a more lenient punishment.

“Petitioner (Winslow) does not seek immediate release from prison; however, he qualifies for relief under AB 124 due to the trauma (brain damage) he has endured throughout his football career, the physical and sexual abuse from his childhood, and the ramifications of his serious motorcycle accident,” his petition filed by attorney Patrick Morgan Ford in San Diego states.

What is Kellen Winslow II aiming for?

Winslow, who previously excelled at the University of Miami, has been serving his sentence since March 2019 and is currently held at a state prison in Norco, California. State records indicate he is not eligible for parole until September 2028.

Winslow requests that the court grants his writ and sends the case back to the trial court for re-sentencing in line with the new legislation. His latest petition claims, “He now submits his arguments (including facts previously unavailable) this court through a petition for a writ of habeas corpus.”

The petition points to AB 124, which became law in 2021, aimed at assisting defendants who have gone through “psychological, physical, or childhood trauma, including but not limited to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or sexual violence.”

This law mandates the court to administer a reduced sentence if the defendant has faced such trauma, barring aggravating factors. Additionally, the petition posits that plea agreements are not exempt from legislative changes designed to lessen sentences.

In February 2021, Winslow had accepted his 14-year sentence through a plea deal with prosecutors from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. That office has opted not to comment on Winslow’s recent petition.

What trauma did Winslow mention?

To establish the connection of the law to his situation, Winslow disclosed various forms of trauma he encountered starting from childhood.

He referenced his football career, which brought him an estimated $40 million, following in the footsteps of his father, Kellen Winslow Sr., a renowned tight end for the San Diego Chargers. He expressed concerns about brain injuries as well.

“I probably endured around 100 concussions during this period, but I was aware that reporting them would label me as ‘damaged goods’, harming my chances during contract negotiations,” Winslow II stated in his declaration.

He described each impact as akin to a minor car accident resulting in migraines and depression.

He recounted how his motorcycle accident in 2005 contributed to his ongoing depression.

“I began to transform into a different, less compassionate person during that timeframe,” he wrote.

Furthermore, he revealed issues from his childhood, noting he was sexually abused by two relatives.

“I believe this had some bearing on my own sex crimes in the current case,” he expressed.

What does Winslow report about his prison experience?

Previously, Winslow hesitated to express feelings of guilt or remorse. When queried by YSL News Sports last year regarding the victims, he stated he couldn’t “comment on my innocence right now.” He had insisted on his innocence before and was reluctant to plead guilty in 2019, opting to do so to avoid facing a life sentence.

In his latest declaration, Winslow shared that his prison life consists of reading the Bible and self-help literature, receiving counseling, and training for marathons alongside other inmates.

“I aimed to improve myself and eventually be reunited with my wife, who supported me through a lot, and my two children,” Winslow stated in his writings.

After Winslow was initially found guilty of several charges in 2019, his wife sought a divorce.

His request for consideration points out that other prisoners have expressed their appreciation for his support. One described him as a “beacon of positivity in this environment.” Another credited Winslow II with helping him recover from drug addiction, stating that “the Creator sent him to aid my improvement.”

“He is actively participating in programs while incarcerated and is regarded by the director of his Anger Management class as an exemplary figure for other participants,” his appeal mentions.

It is uncertain when the court will review his situation.

Stay updated with reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer.