Owen Hanson, a former football player from the University of Southern California, known in the past as the “cocaine quarterback” for his involvement with a Mexican drug cartel, shared how President Trump’s First Step Act changed his life by giving him a chance at redemption after dodging a lengthy federal prison term.
“I distinctly remember when my counselor called me,” Hanson recounted recently. “He said, ‘Owen, because you went back to school and earned your degree, you’ve avoided three years of your sentence.’ He added, ‘You’re also qualified for two years in a half-house.’ And it hit me—there’s actually hope.”
The Bureau of Prisons is moving towards modernizing its systems, which could soon include providing inmates with tablets that have texting capabilities.
During a conversation with Lara Trump, Hanson discussed his unexpected journey from winning a national championship in college football to falling into debt with drug cartels. “They forced me into a corner: ‘Join us or face dire consequences,'” he said. “I took on the role of their logistics coordinator, the so-called ‘signal caller’ for the cartel. It’s a name I’d prefer not to mention, but it was either that or I faced prison time.” His actions resulted in him serving a decade behind bars.
Hanson emphasized that the First Step Act significantly shifts how incarcerated individuals view rehabilitation, encouraging participation in educational programs and other activities to reduce recidivism rates.
The criminal justice reform initiated in 2018 broadened available options for eligible federal inmates to lessen their sentences through engagement in educational or productive activities. Prior to this change, he explained, many federal inmates were required to serve about 85% of their sentences with minimal chances for reduction. The potential to earn time off through positive actions and education offered him and other prisoners a renewed sense of purpose.
Interestingly, Hanson eventually received a master’s degree while serving his time. He attributes this law as pivotal in equipping him for life outside of prison and is now actively involved in advising student-athletes on the perils of drug use and criminal activity.
“It’s been a humbling experience. When the judge initially sentenced me to nearly 20 years, I was taken aback that it was framed as a means for rehabilitation. Looking in the mirror in my cell, I wondered if maybe, just maybe, the judge was doing me a favor,” he reflected.
He continued, “Honestly, prison ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me. It saved my life. Gaining sobriety, earning my master’s, and helping others—it’s been the most rewarding twist of fate.”
