On Thursday, President Donald Trump granted pardons to five former professional football players, with one being posthumous. The pardons, which cover various offenses from perjury to drug trafficking, were announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson. The players receiving clemency are Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon.
Alice Marie Johnson expressed gratitude on the social media platform X, highlighting the values of grit, grace, and resilience that both football and the nation represent. She thanked President Trump for his dedication to providing second chances to individuals with past infractions. Notably, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones personally informed Newton, who won three Super Bowls during his career, about his pardon.
The White House did not respond to queries regarding the rationale behind Trump’s decision to pardon these players, who are known for their achievements in the NFL. Joe Klecko, a former standout for the New York Jets, faced legal issues for perjury after he lied to a federal jury probing insurance fraud. In 2023, Klecko was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and earned accolades as a two-time Associated Press All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler.
Nate Newton, an offensive lineman celebrated for his time with the Dallas Cowboys, pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges. Authorities discovered $10,000 in cash in his pickup truck, along with 175 pounds of marijuana in a vehicle driven by an associate. Newton’s illustrious career includes two All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances.
Jamal Lewis, who played for the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns, faced legal challenges after attempting to orchestrate a drug deal shortly after being a top NFL draft pick in 2000. Despite his legal troubles, Lewis had a successful career highlighted by one All-Pro selection and being a Pro Bowler, along with receiving the 2003 AP Offensive Player of the Year award.
Travis Henry, a running back known for his stints with the Denver Broncos and other teams, was convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine. His operation involved moving the drug between Colorado and Montana, which led to his legal troubles alongside a successful professional career that included one Pro Bowl appearance.
Billy Cannon, who played for the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs, admitted to counterfeiting in the mid-1980s after suffering significant financial losses from failed investments. Cannon’s impressive legacy includes being a two-time All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler, as well as winning the 1959 Heisman Trophy while playing at Louisiana State University. He is remembered for one of college football's iconic moments: an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown against Ole Miss. Cannon passed away in 2018.
The announcement of these pardons adds to the ongoing discussions surrounding issues of justice and rehabilitation in the United States, particularly for high-profile individuals in sports. The implications of these pardons continue to resonate, especially in the context of Trump's passionate engagement with sports culture and his administration's approach to clemency and second chances.
