Jacksonville Jaguars safety kidnapped by gunmen, released

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., March 5 (UPI) -- Former Philadelphia Eagles safety Earl Wolff was allegedly abducted by several gunmen in February and later released, according to the Fayetteville Observer.

Wolff was released by the Eagles in August, due to a knee injury, and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad in December. He is now under a futures contract with the team.

According to Observer sports editor Thomas Pope, "Wolff was the victim of an alleged kidnapping by a group of men on Feb. 23" in Hoke County.

Wolff, 26, was visiting friends at a Fayetteville home, before he walked out to his 2011 Range Rover. When he approached his car, a "group of men with guns accosted him and forced him into his vehicle," Pope wrote.

"We don't know how long he was kidnapped," Fayetteville police spokesman Antoine Kincade told Pope. "But it was a short period of time."

Police are still following leads. Wolff was released in Hope Mills, while his car was found in Cumberland County, according to police.

Bobby Deshawn Bailey was arrested in connection with the incident and has been charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy, larceny, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of marijuana, police told Pope.

According to the report, police said they received a call about the kidnapping and robbery at about 3 a.m. Feb. 23.

On Feb. 24, Wolff tweeted: "Lord I Thank you for your grace and mercy #Amen."

Tad Dickman, senior manager of public relations for the Jaguars, recently spoke with Wolff.

"Spoke w/ @Ewolff28 and he's doing well, mentally & physically," Dickman tweeted Saturday. "I ask that the media please respect his privacy."

Wolff was drafted in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State.

He has 43 tackles and one interception in 18 career games.