Trump Pardons 5 Former NFL Players for Crimes

Pardons include players convicted of drug trafficking, perjury, and counterfeiting

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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President Donald Trump has pardoned five former NFL players - Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Joe Klecko, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon - for various criminal convictions including drug trafficking, perjury, and counterfeiting. The players had served prison sentences for their crimes before receiving the presidential pardons.

Why it matters

The pardons highlight the complex intersection of sports, criminal justice, and presidential power. While the players had paid their debts to society, the pardons remain controversial given the serious nature of the crimes committed. The move raises questions about the use of executive clemency and whether it should extend to high-profile athletes.

The details

The players pardoned include Nate Newton, who was convicted of federal drug trafficking in 2001 after a traffic stop; Jamal Lewis, who pleaded guilty to a drug-related charge in 2004; Joe Klecko, who was convicted of perjury in 1993; Travis Henry, who pleaded guilty to cocaine trafficking in 2009; and Billy Cannon, who was convicted of counterfeiting in 1983. All the players had served prison time for their crimes before receiving the presidential pardons.

  • The pardons were announced on February 13, 2026.

The players

Nate Newton

A two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman who won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys. He was convicted of federal drug trafficking in 2001.

Jamal Lewis

A former running back who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, winning a Super Bowl and earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He pleaded guilty to a drug-related charge in 2004.

Joe Klecko

A Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman who played 12 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the New York Jets. He was convicted of perjury in 1993.

Travis Henry

A former running back who played for the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and Denver Broncos. He pleaded guilty to cocaine trafficking in 2009.

Billy Cannon

The 1959 Heisman Trophy winner who played 11 seasons in the AFL and NFL. He was convicted of counterfeiting in 1983.

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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 (Twitter)

“Grateful to @POTUS for his continued commitment to second chances. Mercy changes lives.”

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

What’s next

The pardons are expected to be met with both praise and criticism, as the players' crimes ranged from drug trafficking to perjury. It remains to be seen how the sports community and the public will react to the president's use of executive clemency in these high-profile cases.

The takeaway

The pardons of these former NFL players highlight the complex relationship between sports, crime, and the criminal justice system. While the players have paid their debts to society, the pardons raise questions about the appropriate use of presidential power and whether elite athletes should receive special treatment.