Jamal Lewis and Travis Henry, both stars of the Tennessee Vols 1998 national title team, have received presidential pardons from Donald Trump. The two running backs had previously been charged with drug-related crimes.
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The pardons were announced on Feb. 12. Lewis and Henry joined Joe Klecko, Nate Newton and the late Billy Cannon on the list of former NFL talents to receive a pardon from President Trump.
Lewis previously pleaded guilty to operating as the middleman in a drug deal. He reportedly made the call in a deal for at least five kilograms of cocaine. The former Vols star, turned NFL talent, was given a two-game suspension from the NFL and ordered to serve a four-month prison sentence in 2004.
Henry's charges were filed in 2009, resulting in a three-year prison sentence and a suspension from the NFL. Upon being released from prison, his suspension from the league was lifted.
Both Lewis and Henry had success at the NFL level. Lewis was voted as the 2003 Offensive Player of the Year. Henry was a Pro Bowl selection in 2002. Unfortunately, their football careers were marred by the choices they made in their off-field lives.
Both Jamal Lewis and Travis Henry Had Impressive Careers
Jamal Lewis was drafted into the NFL with the fifth overall pick, joining the Baltimore Ravens. He played in 16 games during his rookie year before missing his second season with an injury. In total, Lewis spent seven seasons with the Ravens before moving to the Cleveland Browns in 2007. He spent three seasons with the franchise before leaving the league.
During his career, Lewis amassed 10,607 yards, scoring 58 touchdowns and 481 first downs. He was a key piece of each team he played on, earning 131 games in the NFL regular season, 126 of them coming as a starter.
Travis Henry didn't have the same longevity in the league, but was just as impactful. He entered the NFL as the 58th pick in the 2001 draft, joining the Buffalo Bills. After four seasons with the franchise, he moved to the Tennessee Titans, where he spent two seasons. His final year in the league came with the Denver Broncos.
In total, Henry played in 90 regular-season games, starting 69 of them. He tallied 6,086 total yards, with 38 touchdowns and 312 first downs.
Currently, neither has provided a statement regarding their presidential pardons.
