Over the last three seasons at Clemson, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has shown the college football world why he’s one of the best defensive players in the country. After being an All-American in 2022 and an All-ACC selection this past year, Trotter has set himself up to be an early-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
His name might ring a bell for diehard Philadelphia Eagles fans as his dad, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., was one of the best linebackers in franchise history. How did Trotter Sr.’s play back in the day impact Trotter Jr.’s current game?
Jeremiah Trotter Sr.’s Instinctive Play Cemented Long NFL Career
Trotter Sr. was a third-round pick of the Eagles in the 1998 NFL Draft. It wouldn’t take long for Philadelphia fans to realize what kind of player they had in him.
After a quiet rookie season, he produced 120 tackle seasons in 1999 and 2000, leading to a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2000. It was followed up by a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection again in 2001, helping build the foundation for an up-and-coming Eagles team.
A surprise ensued when Trotter bolted for the now-Washington Commanders in 2002 on a new seven-year, $36 million contract. While he still made over 200 tackles in two years, Trotter’s stay in Washington wasn’t long. He would depart after the 2003 season.
Trotter’s return to Philadelphia from 2004 through 2006 would pay off, adding two more Pro Bowls to his résumé. He would help the Eagles make their second Super Bowl in franchise history in 2004. Trotter finished his career with a 2007 stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one last run with Philly in 2009.
The final career numbers for Trotter include 908 tackles, 12.5 sacks, nine interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in 11 seasons. After his career ended, the Eagles named Trotter to their Hall of Fame, leaving a legacy of being one of the best tacklers in franchise history.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Shows Glimpses of His Father
A lot of what fans saw in Trotter Sr. is the same they saw in his son on the field for the Clemson Tigers from 2021 through 2023.
The younger Trotter showcased his instincts for finding the ball carrier and making big plays. His freshman year was quiet, with 15 tackles and one sack, but he would explode onto the scene in the following campaigns.
With more playing time, Trotter combined for 176 tackles, 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, four interceptions, and two touchdowns. He was named second-team All-American in 2022 and first-team All-ACC in 2023.
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According to Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings, Trotter has a high football IQ and can use his quickness to make up ground and tackle on outside runs. His explosiveness, in concert with his elite tackling skills, has helped him be an easy early-round pick in this year’s draft.
It’s hard to compare father to son since Trotter Jr. is just about to begin his NFL career, but that same quickness and solid tackling form is what made the elder Trotter beloved in Philadelphia.
Trotter Jr. appears to have all the skills to be a future star — perhaps better than his dad when all is said and done.
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