What's happened
On February 13, 2026, the White House announced clemency for five former NFL players—Joe Klecko, Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and Billy Cannon—who had been released from prison over a decade ago. The pardons follow a social media message from Alice Marie Johnson, praising second chances and resilience.
What's behind the headline?
The pardons highlight a strategic use of clemency to reinforce themes of resilience and second chances, especially in the context of Trump's broader pardon activity. The focus on former athletes with complex legal histories underscores a narrative of redemption that resonates with certain political and social groups. The White House's silence on the rationale suggests a calculated move to generate positive publicity, leveraging sports figures' popularity. These pardons may influence public perceptions of justice and forgiveness, especially given the athletes' high-profile careers and past convictions. The timing also signals an ongoing effort to shape the legacy of Trump's presidency through symbolic acts of mercy, which could have ripple effects on public discourse around criminal justice reform and celebrity influence in politics.
What the papers say
The articles from Al Jazeera, The Independent, NY Post, New York Times, and AP News all report on the same event, with slight variations in detail. The New York Times emphasizes the timing and the broader context of Trump's clemency wave, noting the players' prison histories and careers. The Independent and AP highlight the political and social themes, quoting Alice Marie Johnson's praise for second chances. The NY Post provides additional details about the players' convictions and careers, but all sources agree on the core facts: the players' legal histories, the White House's announcement, and the symbolic nature of the pardons. The coverage collectively suggests a calculated use of clemency to reinforce themes of redemption, with potential implications for public perceptions of justice and celebrity influence.
How we got here
The pardons were announced amid a broader wave of presidential clemency, with the players having served prison sentences for various convictions, including drug trafficking, perjury, and counterfeiting. Many of these athletes had notable careers, with some being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Cannon winning the Heisman Trophy in 1959. The timing aligns with President Trump's history of granting clemency to high-profile figures, often emphasizing themes of redemption.
Go deeper
More on these topics
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Billy Abb Cannon Sr. was an American football halfback and tight end who played in the American Football League and the National Football League.
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Joseph Edward Klecko is an American former professional football player who was a defensive lineman in the National Football League, primarily with the New York Jets.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Alice Marie Johnson is an American criminal justice reform advocate and former federal prisoner. Johnson was convicted in 1996 for her involvement in a Memphis cocaine trafficking organization and sentenced to life imprisonment.
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Jamal Lewis is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League for the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. He was selected by the Ravens with the fifth overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played