Five former pro football players pardoned on one day

The NFL Draft Class

a.k.a. “Special Teams”

On February 12, 2026, five former pro football players were pardoned together: Travis Henry, Nate Newton, Joe Klecko, Jamal Lewis, and 1959 Heisman winner Billy Cannon, who had already died. Their offenses included cocaine, marijuana and perjury.

Rap sheet

Jamal Lewis: Using a phone to facilitate an attempted cocaine deal; four months (2005) [1]
Travis Henry: Cocaine conspiracy; 36 months (2009) [1]
Nate Newton: Marijuana conspiracy; 30 months [1]
Joe Klecko: Perjury; three months [1]
Billy Cannon: Conspiracy; 60 months. Pardoned after his death. [1][2]

The receipt

PARDONMAXXING THE NFL DRAFT CLASS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wiped off the books

Five records [1][2] Cleared

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Gold is money that was reportedly spent near the President’s orbit. Red is what the grant wiped away. We list what was reported and when. We don’t claim one caused the other. How we count.

Timeline

February 12, 2026 The pardon Five former players pardoned in one batch. [1][2]

Detective’s notes

Commentary

Mostly old cases and served sentences. The pattern here isn’t money. It’s fame. If you want a pardon, it helps to have had a highlight reel.

Sources

Clemency grants by President Donald J. Trump, 2025–present (archived Sept. 20, 2026) U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Pardon Attorney, via the Internet Archive
Trump pardons former NFL players including Joe Klecko and Jamal Lewis The New York Times · February 12, 2026