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Former Cowboys’ offensive lineman Nate Newton received a pardon from Donald Trump
The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of work to do this offseason. After missing the playoffs in 2025, it’s clear that fans are not happy with the state of the team. Trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers right before the start of the season certainly didn’t help, and the manner in which the season unfolded certainly didn’t make that trade look any better.
While moves haven’t been made yet, it’s clear that the team is operating with a sense of urgency in the early going, and it’s safe to say that fans could use some good news regarding the team as soon as possible. For one of the team’s former players, offensive lineman Nate Newton, he recently received some surprisingly positive news from the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Nate Newton Gets Pardon from Donald Trump
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.
As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again. So is our nation.
Special thanks
Newton spent 14 years in the NFL, 13 of which were spent with the Cowboys. During his time with the team, Newton turned himself into one of the top offensive linemen in the league. After rotating through several different positions to begin his career, Newton eventually settled in at left guard, which is where he enjoyed his best seasons.
After moving from right tackle to left guard in 1992, Newton would earn Pro Bowl selections in six of the next seven seasons, which included a pair of All-Pro First Team honors in 1994 and 1995. More importantly, though, Newton helped Dallas win three Super Bowls during his time in town, solidifying his legacy with the franchise.
Newton retired after spending the 1999 season with the Carolina Panthers, and he quickly found himself in some trouble with the law. A federal conviction for drug trafficking in 2002 landed Newton in prison for two-and-a-half years, but since getting released, he’s managed to turn his life around. On Friday morning, Trump granted pardons for five former NFL players, with Newton being a part of that group.
“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 shared in a post on X. “Special thanks to Jerry Jones for personally sharing the news with Nate Newton. I’m holding Nate’s pardon in my hands today—what a blessed day. Grateful to Donald Trump for his continued commitment to second chances. Mercy changes lives.”
Cowboys Gear Up for Wildly Important Offseason
GettyDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
Newton’s comeback story in his post-playing career has been inspiring to watch, as he’s managed to overcome his troubles and clean up his act. He remains a revered figure in the eyes of the Cowboys and their fans, so much so that Jerry Jones was the one who delivered Newton the news of his pardon.
While this is a heartwarming move by Jones, he will have his work cut out for him when it comes to improving Dallas’ current roster this offseason. Simply put, the Cowboys need some serious help on both sides of the ball if they want to return to the playoffs. Whether or not they are able to accomplish that goal will likely depend on what Jones manages to accomplish over the next few months.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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