Atlanta Native Jamal Lewis Among Ex-NFL Players Pardoned by Trump

Lewis was one of five former players granted clemency by the former president.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Atlanta native and former NFL player Jamal Lewis was among five ex-NFL players pardoned by former President Donald Trump last week. Lewis pleaded guilty in 2004 to using a cellphone to set up a cocaine deal, for which he served prison time and completed community service.

Why it matters

The pardons granted by Trump raise questions about the criminal justice system's treatment of professional athletes and whether they receive special consideration compared to other offenders.

The details

Lewis, who played for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, pleaded guilty in 2004 to using a cellphone to set up a cocaine deal about four years after the arrangement was made. The deal was never completed. He was ordered to spend two months in a halfway house and complete 500 hours of community service after serving prison time.

  • Lewis pleaded guilty in 2004.
  • Trump pardoned Lewis on February 13, 2026.

The players

Jamal Lewis

An Atlanta native and former NFL running back who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. He was named the 2003 AP Offensive Player of the Year.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who granted clemency to Lewis and four other ex-NFL players.

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The takeaway

The pardons raise questions about whether professional athletes receive more lenient treatment from the criminal justice system compared to other offenders, and whether the reasons for these particular pardons will be made public.