President Donald Trump granted full pardons on Thursday, February 12, 2026, to five former NFL players: Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon (posthumously).
The announcement came via White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson, who posted about it on social media, framing it as part of a commitment to second chances: “As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Sarasota Fairgrounds Saturday night, July 3, 2021, that was Co-sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida. Trump, 75, talked about MAGA and the accomplishments of his administration.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Sarasota Fairgrounds Saturday night, July 3, 2021, that was Co-sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida. Trump, 75, talked about MAGA and the accomplishments of his administration.
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President Trump Issues Full Pardon To Former NFL Players
These were federal pardons for convictions from years (or decades) earlier, with all living recipients having been released from prison more than 10–15 years prior. The crimes varied:
Joe Klecko (former New York Jets defensive lineman, Pro Football Hall of Famer inducted in 2023): Convicted of perjury in 1993 for lying to a grand jury during an investigation into false car insurance claims; he served three months.
Nate Newton (former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman, three-time Super Bowl champion): Multiple convictions related to drug trafficking (cocaine distribution) in the early 2000s; he served federal prison time.
Jamal Lewis (former Baltimore Ravens running back, Super Bowl XXXV champion): Convicted in 2004 of drug-related charges (possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana); he served about four months.
Travis Henry (former Buffalo Bills/Miami Dolphins running back): Convicted in 2008 of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine; he served about three years in federal prison.
Billy Cannon (late LSU Heisman Trophy winner and AFL/NFL player with the Houston Oilers): Convicted in the 1980s for counterfeiting (involved in a $6 million counterfeit scheme); he served prison time and later became a dentist.
The pardons apply to federal offenses only and restore certain rights (e.g., voting in federal elections, firearm ownership in some cases, though state restrictions may remain). They don’t erase the records but forgive the federal convictions.
This fits into Trump’s broader use of clemency powers in his second term, often highlighting themes of redemption—especially for figures in sports or high-profile cases. No direct connection to recent NFL events like the Super Bowl appears in reports, though the timing (right after Super Bowl LX) drew some attention in sports media.
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