Trump Pardons New York Jets Hall Of Famer, 4 Other Former Players

NEW YORK CITY — A former New York Jets player has been pardoned by President Donald Trump on Thursday.

Hall of Famer and Jets defensive lineman Joe Klecko was among five players who were pardoned by the president.

In 1993, Klecko pleaded guilty to perjury after lying to a federal grand jury that was investigating insurance fraud, according to ESPN.

The Trump administration has not disclosed the reason behind the pardons but White House "pardon czar" Alice Marie Johnson released a statement on social media.

"As football reminds us, excellence is built on grit, grace, and the courage to rise again. So is our nation," she wrote. "Grateful to the president for his continued commitment to second chances. Mercy changes lives."

In addition to Klecko, former NFL players Nate Newton, Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry and the late Billy Cannon received pardons as well.

Similarly, last year, Trump pardoned former New York Mets legend Darryl Strawberry of tax evasion and drug charges.