US EditionTrump pardons 5 former NFL players for crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking
Five former NFL players received pardons for crimes like drug trafficking and perjury, reflecting a presidential focus on clemency and second chances, White House adviser said.
- On Feb 12, 2026, President Donald Trump pardoned five former NFL players, including Billy Cannon posthumously, announced by White House pardon czar Alice Marie Johnson in Washington.
- Despite the announcement, the White House did not provide a detailed explanation and did not return a request for comment Thursday night, even as Johnson praised the White House for her 'continued commitment to second chances.'
- Newton, an offensive lineman, pleaded guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge after authorities discovered $10,000 in his pickup truck and 175 pounds of marijuana in an accompanying car, driven by another man.
- President Donald Trump granted clemency to Joe Klecko, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who pleaded guilty to perjury, continuing a pattern of athlete-related pardons and altering their legal statuses and reputations.
- Because the White House offered no detailed explanation, the pardons covering offenses from perjury to drug trafficking are likely to prompt public debate, with figures like Travis Henry and Billy Cannon involved.
158 Articles
158 Articles
Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the deceased Billy Cannon, had been convicted of several crimes, since drug trafficking.
U.S. President Donald Trump granted a presidential pardon to five former players of the National Football League (NFL). The athletes were serving sentences related to crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking. The decision was argued under the concept of “second chance and redemption,” according to the White House. The determination was announced by Alice Marie Johnson, the so-called ‘forgiveness’, ex-prisoner pardoned by Trump, who became…
Why Did Trump Just Pardon 5 Ex-NFL Players?
The pardons to 4 living and one deceased former NFL stars cover a variety of mostly drug-related offenses. President Trump has used his pardon power to clear the criminal records of a number of people, from celebrities to political supporters to participants in the January 6 insurrection. His latest set of pardons has been extended to five former professional players, an unexpected move from the president. Alice Marie Johnson announced pardons f…
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