Five former NFL players have been pardoned by President Donald Trump.
The White House confirmed pardons for Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon. White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson announced the decision, thanking President Trump for what she called his continued commitment to second chances. She also noted that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones personally shared the news with Newton.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the cases:
• Joe Klecko: The Jets Hall of Famer and member of the “New York Sack Exchange” was convicted in 1993 in a bankruptcy fraud case tied to a post-career business venture. He later served a three-month prison sentence. Klecko was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
• Nate Newton: A key piece of Dallas’ 1990s dynasty, Newton faced multiple drug-related arrests during and after his playing career, including marijuana distribution charges. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion.
• Jamal Lewis: The former Ravens star pleaded guilty in 2005 to using a cell phone to facilitate a drug transaction connected to a federal investigation. He served time during the 2007 offseason and returned to the league. Lewis rushed for 2,066 yards in 2003, one of the highest single-season totals in NFL history.
• Travis Henry: The former Pro Bowl running back was sentenced in 2009 on federal cocaine trafficking charges, effectively ending his NFL career after multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
• Billy Cannon: The 1959 Heisman Trophy winner and college football icon pleaded guilty in 1983 for his role in a large counterfeiting operation. He later became a dentist and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Cannon passed away in 2018.