Just a few days after Super Bowl LX came to an end, President Donald Trump pardoned a few former NFL players.
White House "pardon czar" Alice Marie Johnson announced on Thursday night that Billy Cannon, Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry.
"Today, the President granted pardons to five former NFL players-Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late great Dr. Billy Cannon. As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again," Johnson wrote. "So is our nation. Special thanks to Jerry Jones for personally sharing the news with Nate Newton. I'm holding Nate's pardon in my hands today-what a blessed day. Grateful to @POTUS for his continued commitment to second chances. Mercy changes lives."
Cannon, who passed away in 2018, admitted to counterfeiting in the mid-1980s. He spent his career playing for the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.
Klecko, a Hall of Fame pass rusher for the New York Jets, pleaded guilty to perjury in 1993. He was a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler during his career, racking up 78 sacks.
Dec 13, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; President Donald J. Trump during the first half of the 126th Army-Navy game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images © Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Newton, a former Pro Bowl offensive lineman, pleaded guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge in 2002. The authorities reportedly found 175 pounds of marijuana in an accompanying car.
Lewis, who spent his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, pleaded guilty in a drug case. The 2003 AP Offensive Player of the Year was senteced to four months in prison in 2005.
Last but not least, Henry was at the center of drama in 2009 when he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine.
NFL fans react to Trump's decision.
Judging by the responses online, people aren't pleased with Trump's recent actions.
"Trump pardoning these dudes is disgusting," one fan wrote.
"Newton, Lewis and Henry were all charged and found guilty of massive drug trafficking crimes," a second fan commented. "Great job hypocrites."
"I'm sure there are more deserving people for a pardon," another fan said.
"How do I go about getting a pardon from the president," a social media user sarcastically replied.
We'll see if Trump releases a statement on his recent batch of pardons.
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