President Trump Pardons Five Former NFL Star Players

The pardons include iconic Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon and Hall of Famer Joe Klecko.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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President Donald Trump has pardoned five former NFL players, including Heisman Trophy winner Billy Cannon, Hall of Famer Joe Klecko, and three other star players who were convicted of various crimes after their football careers ended.

Why it matters

The pardons highlight Trump's continued interest in sports and willingness to grant clemency to high-profile athletes, even those with serious criminal records. The move raises questions about the role of sports stardom in the criminal justice system and the president's motivations for these particular pardons.

The details

The five players pardoned by Trump are: Billy Cannon, a Heisman Trophy-winning halfback who later served time for counterfeiting; Joe Klecko, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle convicted of bankruptcy fraud; Nate Newton, a three-time Super Bowl champion offensive lineman sentenced for drug trafficking; Jamal Lewis, a 2,000-yard rusher who pleaded guilty to facilitating a drug transaction; and Travis Henry, a Pro Bowl running back convicted of cocaine trafficking.

  • In 1983, Billy Cannon pled guilty to his part in a currency counterfeiting operation and served three years in prison.
  • In 1993, Joe Klecko was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison on charges related to bankruptcy fraud.
  • In 2002, Nate Newton was sentenced for drug trafficking offenses, including possession for sale of hundreds of pounds of marijuana.
  • In 2005, Jamal Lewis pleaded guilty to using his phone to 'facilitate a drug transaction'.
  • In 2009, Travis Henry was sentenced to three years on federal cocaine trafficking charges.

The players

Billy Cannon

A Heisman Trophy-winning halfback who later played in the AFL and NFL, where he was a two-time All-Pro. Cannon's 89-yard punt return in 1959 against Ole Miss is one of the most famous plays in college football history.

Joe Klecko

A Hall of Fame defensive tackle who was part of the New York Jets' famed 'New York Sack Exchange' defensive line. Klecko was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time All-Pro, and 2023 Hall of Fame inductee.

Nate Newton

An offensive lineman who won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys. He was sentenced in 2002 for drug trafficking offenses, including possession for sale of hundreds of pounds of marijuana.

Jamal Lewis

A punishing running back who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens and rushed for 2,066 yards in 2003, the third highest total in NFL history. In 2005 he pleaded guilty to using his phone to 'facilitate a drug transaction'.

Travis Henry

A Pro Bowl running back who played for the Bills, Titans, and Broncos, and was sentenced in 2009 to three years on federal cocaine trafficking charges.

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What they’re saying

“As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again. So is our nation...Grateful to @POTUS for his continued commitment to second chances. Mercy changes lives.”

— Alice Marie Johnson, White House pardon czar (X)

What’s next

The White House has not indicated if President Trump plans to pardon any additional former NFL players in the future.

The takeaway

These pardons highlight the complex relationship between sports stardom, criminal justice, and presidential power. While the players' athletic accomplishments are celebrated, their post-football legal troubles raise questions about the role of privilege and second chances in the criminal justice system.