Trump Pardons 5 Former NFL Players for Crimes

Pardons granted for offenses ranging from perjury to drug trafficking

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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President Donald Trump has pardoned five former NFL players - Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon - for various crimes including perjury, drug trafficking, and counterfeiting. The pardons were announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson, who thanked Trump for his 'continued commitment to second chances'.

Why it matters

The pardons highlight Trump's willingness to grant clemency to high-profile athletes, even for serious crimes. It raises questions about the fairness of the justice system and whether celebrities receive preferential treatment. The pardons also come as part of Trump's broader efforts to grant pardons and commutations to a wide range of individuals.

The details

The former players had committed crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking. Klecko pleaded guilty to perjury, Newton pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, Lewis pleaded guilty to a drug case, Henry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and Cannon admitted to counterfeiting. Despite their criminal records, all five players had successful NFL careers, with several making the Pro Bowl and being named All-Pro.

  • The pardons were announced on February 13, 2026.

The players

Joe Klecko

A former star defensive lineman for the New York Jets who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. He pleaded guilty to perjury after lying to a federal grand jury investigating insurance fraud.

Nate Newton

A former offensive lineman who won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys. He pleaded guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge after authorities found $10,000 in his truck and 175 pounds of marijuana in an accompanying car.

Jamal Lewis

A former running back who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. He pleaded guilty in a drug case in which he used a cellphone to try to set up a drug deal shortly after being a top draft pick in 2000.

Travis Henry

A former running back who played for the Denver Broncos. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine for financing a drug ring that moved the drug between Colorado and Montana.

Billy Cannon

A former player who starred for the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs. He admitted to counterfeiting in the mid-1980s after a series of bad investments and debts left him broke. Cannon won the 1959 Heisman Trophy while at Louisiana State University.

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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.”

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

“Jerry Jones 'personally' shared the news with Newton, who won three Super Bowls with the team.”

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

What’s next

The White House did not provide a specific reason for why Trump decided to pardon the former NFL players at this time.

The takeaway

The pardons of these high-profile athletes, despite their criminal records, highlight Trump's willingness to grant clemency to celebrities and raise questions about fairness in the justice system. It also demonstrates Trump's continued efforts to use his presidential powers to pardon a wide range of individuals.