Jeremiah Trotter makes a return to the Eagles, marking a familial connection within the franchise.
Amidst the fifth round’s 20th pick, the Eagles opt for Clemson’s linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., continuing the legacy of his esteemed father, a beloved figure in the team’s history.
Trotter Sr., a third-round selection by the Eagles in 1998, commanded the defense’s center for eight memorable seasons, securing four Pro Bowl nods and a coveted Super Bowl appearance during his tenure.
“It means a lot. I know the type of legacy he left with this organization and the fans, just how they treat him. It definitely means a lot to come in and continue that legacy,” Trotter said of his father and joining his team. “I’m trying to help out the team any way I can. I’m a hometown kid and the Eagles were always my favorite team growing up, so it’s definitely great to be able to play for them and just have the opportunity that I have.”
Hailing from New Jersey, Trotter Jr. honed his skills at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia before making waves at Clemson. Across three seasons, he amassed an impressive 29.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and 4 interceptions.
His standout performance in 2023, earning him second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC accolades, showcased his defensive prowess, highlighted by 88 tackles, including 15 for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions, one culminating in a touchdown.
With the Eagles addressing a linebacker deficiency from the previous season, Trotter Jr. enters a promising opportunity, bolstering a unit featuring Nakobe Dean alongside new arrivals Devin White and Oren Burks.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 228 pounds, Trotter Jr. defies conventional size norms for middle linebackers. However, his cerebral approach to the game and innate ability to track the ball earned him recognition at Clemson, earning him a finalist spot for the prestigious Butkus Award, bestowed upon the nation’s top linebacker.
Trotter Jr.’s father concluded his Eagles tenure in 2009, capping off a commendable career at 32 years old, leaving a lasting legacy on the field with 29 total tackles across seven starts.
“He played the game where he is more up in the gap, spiking gaps, getting downhill and just blowing up linemen,” Trotter said of his father. “In today’s game, I’m more run around, run sideline to sideline. I’ve got to be able to play out in space.”
