Trump Grants Pardons to Five Ex-NFL Players

Trump Issues Pardons to Former NFL Players

On Thursday, President Donald Trump granted pardons to five former NFL players, among them two standout figures: Billy Cannon, a legendary Heisman Trophy-winning halfback, and Joe Kleko, a Hall of Fame tackle for the New York Jets.

Alice Marie Johnson, a White House pardons official, shared the news on social media, confirming that the players receiving pardons include Kleko, Cannon, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, and Travis Henry.

Johnson expressed her gratitude on X, stating, “As soccer reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace and the courage to rise again. Our country is no different…Thank you @POTUS for your continued commitment to second chances. Compassion changes lives.”

She also extended special thanks to Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, for personally informing Newton about the pardon.

Cannon, who won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1959 while at Louisiana State University, had a fruitful career in both the American Football League and the NFL. He played for teams such as the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs, earning All-Pro honors twice throughout his 11-year career. Cannon is particularly remembered for his memorable 89-yard punt return against Ole Miss, which is often cited as one of college football’s greatest moments.

However, his life took a turn in 1983 when he was convicted for a currency counterfeiting scheme and served three years in prison. After his release, he pursued a career in dentistry and sadly passed away in 2018 at the age of 80.

Kleko, 72, a member of the famed “New York Sack Exchange,” was convicted of bankruptcy fraud in 1993, resulting in a three-month prison sentence. His case stemmed from financial issues during his transition after football, and although it didn’t involve violence, it was related to false car insurance claims. Notably, on the field, Kleko recorded 20.5 sacks in the 1981 season and is celebrated for his versatility as a lineman, contributing to his four Pro Bowl selections and upcoming Hall of Fame induction in 2023.

Nate Newton, now 64, was an imposing offensive lineman who contributed significantly to the Dallas Cowboys’ three Super Bowl victories. His life was marred by a drug trafficking conviction in 2002 when he was found guilty of possessing and intending to sell large quantities of marijuana.

Jamal Lewis, 46, played a crucial role as a running back for the Baltimore Ravens, particularly noted during their Super Bowl-winning year. He achieved a remarkable milestone in 2003, accumulating 2,066 total yards, ranking among the top performances in NFL history. In 2005, however, he pleaded guilty to using a cell phone to facilitate drug trafficking.

Travis Henry, 47, known for rushing over 1,000 yards in three of his NFL seasons, faced legal troubles as well. Convicted on federal cocaine trafficking charges in 2009, Henry’s career abruptly ended after seven seasons in the league.