Trump pardons former Cowboys star Nate Newton, 4 other NFL players
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Former NFL player Nate Newton looks on before a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
DALLAS - President Donald Trump on Thursday pardoned five former professional football players, including Dallas Cowboys legend Nate Newton, according to an announcement from White House pardon coordinator Alice Marie Johnson.
Trump pardons former NFL players
Today, the President granted pardons to five former NFL players—Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and the late great Dr. Billy Cannon.
— Alice Marie Johnson (@AliceMarieFree) February 13, 2026
As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again. So is our nation.
Special thanks… pic.twitter.com/Y4FC5lQwGE
What's New:
Johnson confirmed the pardons in a post on X, identifying the recipients as Newton, Joe Klecko, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and the late Dr. Billy Cannon. She noted that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones personally delivered the news to Newton.
Newton released a statement Friday morning expressing his gratitude to the Cowboys organization and the president.
I would like to personally Thank Mr. Jones for sharing that great news last night with Me of the Presidential Pardon I received . May God bless You, Mr. Jones and your Family Thank you my Friend!!!
— Nathaniel Newton Jr (@61NateNewton) February 13, 2026
Nathaniel Newton Jr.
Who is Nate Newton?
The backstory:
Newton, 64, was a central figure in the Cowboys' 1990s dynasty, earning six Pro Bowl selections and winning three Super Bowls as part of the "Great Wall of Dallas" offensive line.
The pardon addresses his 2002 federal conviction for drug trafficking. Newton served approximately two and a half years in prison after authorities found him in possession of 175 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop.
Since his release, Newton has been recognized for his community involvement and dramatic lifestyle changes, including losing nearly half his body weight.
The Source: Information in this article comes from White House pardon coordinator Alice Marie Johnson and previous reporting.