Trump Grants Pardons to Five Ex-NFL Players: NPR
On February 12, 2026, former President Donald Trump granted pardons to five ex-NFL players for various offenses. The announcement was made by Alice Marie Johnson, the White House pardon czar.
Details of the Pardons
The players receiving clemency were Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon. The pardons spread over different charges, revealing a range of criminal backgrounds.
Profiles of the Pardoned Players
- Joe Klecko: A former defensive lineman for the New York Jets, Klecko was implicated in an insurance fraud case and pleaded guilty to perjury. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023 and earned recognition as a two-time Associated Press All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler.
- Nate Newton: The Dallas Cowboys legend pleaded guilty to drug trafficking after law enforcement uncovered $10,000 in cash and 175 pounds of marijuana linked to him. Newton is a two-time All-Pro and a six-time Pro Bowler.
- Jamal Lewis: A running back for the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, Lewis pleaded guilty in a drug case involving plans to arrange a deal shortly after being drafted. He was named an All-Pro once and won the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2003.
- Travis Henry: Known for his time with the Denver Broncos, Henry was implicated in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. As a running back, he earned a Pro Bowl selection during his career.
- Billy Cannon: The late Heisman Trophy winner from LSU faced criminal charges of counterfeiting in the 1980s. He was a two-time All-Pro and had a notable moment in college football history with an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown against Ole Miss.
Significance of the Pardons
Alice Marie Johnson expressed gratitude towards Trump for his ongoing commitment to second chances and recognized the resilience of the players. The decision comes as Trump, a known sports enthusiast, continues to engage with the public through various sports-related initiatives.
As this series of pardons unfolds, further discussions about the intersection of sports, criminal justice, and rehabilitation are expected to take center stage.
