Trump pardoned five former NFL players, including Hall of Famer Billy Cannon, on Thursday, sparking questions about the criteria for the clemency. The recipients were defensive lineman Joe Klecko (New York Jets), offensive lineman Nate Newton (Dallas Cowboys), running back Jamal Lewis (Baltimore Ravens/Cleveland Browns), running back Travis Henry (Denver Broncos/Atlanta Falcons), and the late defensive tackle Joe Klecko. Each player had pleaded guilty to federal crimes: Klecko to perjury in 1993, Newton to drug trafficking in 2002, Lewis to a drug deal setup in 2000, Henry to cocaine trafficking in 2009, and Cannon to counterfeiting in the 1980s.

The White House offered no explanation for the pardons, though Jerry Jones personally informed Newton. Cannon, who won the 1959 Heisman Trophy, died in 2018.