Two former Vols legends get a gift out of left field from President Donald Trump

The VFLs were among a group of former NFL stars to get a belated present from the commander in chief on Thursday.

Craig Smith — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Feb 13, 2026 9:10 AM EST

Two notable former Tennessee Vols were among a small group of NFL standouts to receive pardons on Thursday from President Donald Trump.

Former Tennessee running backs Jamal Lewis and Travis Henry were among the recipients of presidential pardons. The list of players also included former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Nate Newton, former New York Jets defensive tackle Joe Klecko, and the late former Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders running back/tight end Billy Cannon.

Former Vols Jamal Lewis and Travis Henry pardoned by President Donald Trump

The pardons come for all men, including Lewis and Henry, well after their sentences had been served.

Lewis was charged with a drug offense for allegedly having used a cell phone to try to set up a drug deal not long after he was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He pled guilty, ultimately served four months in prison in Florida, and was released in June 2005.

After a strong three years in Knoxville with the Vols, Lewis would go on to help the Baltimore Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV as a rookie in 2000 during a seven-year career with the Ravens. He topped 2000 yards rushing (2066) in 2003 while earning first-team All-Pro honors. He finished his career in 2007-09 with the Cleveland Browns. He totaled 10,607 rushing yards in 10 NFL seasons.

Henry, still stands as the Vols’ all-time rushing leader with 3078 yards, pled guilty to a charge involving drug trafficking in 2009 and spent two years in prison. He was reinstated in 2012 by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, but he never played again. Henry played for Buffalo, Tennessee, and Denver across seven seasons from 2001-07, making the Pro Bowl for the Bills in 2002 with 1438 rushing yards and 13 rushing scores.