Trump Pardons New York Jets Hall Of Famer, 4 Other Former Players

The Trump administration has not disclosed the reason behind the pardons.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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President Donald Trump has pardoned five former NFL players, including New York Jets Hall of Famer Joe Klecko. Klecko pleaded guilty to perjury in 1993 after lying to a federal grand jury investigating insurance fraud. The White House has not provided an explanation for the pardons, but a statement from the president's "pardon czar" praised the players' grit and the importance of second chances.

Why it matters

This pardon highlights the president's continued use of the executive clemency power to forgive high-profile individuals with sports backgrounds, raising questions about the criteria and transparency behind such decisions.

The details

In addition to Klecko, the other players pardoned by Trump are Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon. Last year, Trump also pardoned former New York Mets player Darryl Strawberry of tax evasion and drug charges.

  • Klecko pleaded guilty to perjury in 1993.
  • The pardons were issued by President Trump on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Joe Klecko

A former New York Jets defensive lineman and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Nate Newton

A former NFL player who was also pardoned by President Trump.

Jamal Lewis

A former NFL player who was also pardoned by President Trump.

Travis Henry

A former NFL player who was also pardoned by President Trump.

Billy Cannon

A former NFL player who was also pardoned by President Trump, although he is deceased.

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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 the president for his continued commitment to second chances. Mercy changes lives.”

— Alice Marie Johnson, White House "pardon czar" (Social media)

The takeaway

This pardon highlights the president's willingness to use executive clemency to forgive high-profile individuals with sports backgrounds, raising questions about the transparency and consistency of the pardon process.