In a surprising move on Thursday, President Donald Trump issued pardons to five former professional football players, with one granted posthumously, for a variety of criminal offenses spanning from perjury to drug trafficking. The clemency was announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson, who highlighted the unexpected nature of the decision.
White House Announcement and Reaction
The pardons were extended to ex-NFL players Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late Billy Cannon. Johnson took to social media platform X to share the news, expressing gratitude to Trump for his ongoing dedication to offering second chances. She wrote, 'As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again. So is our nation.' Additionally, Johnson revealed that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones personally informed Newton of the pardon, adding a personal touch to the announcement.
Details of the Pardoned Players and Their Crimes
Joe Klecko, a former New York Jets star and Pro Football Hall of Famer inducted in 2023, pleaded guilty to perjury in 1993 after lying to a federal grand jury investigating insurance fraud. Throughout his career, he was a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, known for his defensive prowess.
Nate Newton, an offensive lineman who won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, pleaded guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge in 2001. Authorities discovered $10,000 in his pickup truck and 175 pounds of marijuana in an accompanying vehicle. He was also a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler during his tenure in the NFL.
Jamal Lewis, a running back who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, pleaded guilty in a drug case where he used a cellphone to arrange a drug deal shortly after being a top pick in the 2000 NFL draft. He achieved All-Pro status once, was a one-time Pro Bowler, and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2001.
Travis Henry, a running back for the Denver Broncos and other teams, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine in 2009 for financing a drug ring that moved cocaine between Colorado and Montana. He was a one-time Pro Bowler over his career.
Billy Cannon, who died in 2018, was pardoned posthumously for counterfeiting charges in the mid-1980s, stemming from bad investments and debts that left him financially ruined. He played as a halfback and tight end for teams like the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs, earning two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler honors. Cannon also won the 1959 Heisman Trophy while at Louisiana State University, famous for an 89-yard punt return touchdown against Ole Miss.
Broader Context and Implications
This clemency action underscores Trump's focus on criminal justice reform and second chances, as echoed by Johnson's statement. The pardons come amid ongoing discussions about presidential powers and the use of clemency in high-profile cases. The involvement of figures like Jerry Jones adds a layer of celebrity and sports influence to the narrative, potentially reflecting broader trends in how public figures interact with the justice system.
