Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Bio
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (born December 24, 2002) is an American professional football linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. Trotter is the son of former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, a 12-year NFL veteran, and has quickly built a reputation as a high-motor defender in his early professional career.
Early Life and Background
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. grew up in Hainesport Township, New Jersey, where he developed an early passion for football shaped by his father’s long NFL career. He attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of the most storied high school football programs in the region. As a senior, Trotter was selected to play in the 2021 All-American Bowl, a recognition reserved for the country’s top high school players.
Rated a four-star recruit, Trotter attracted offers from several major college football programs, including South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia Tech, and Michigan State. He ultimately chose to continue his football journey with the Clemson Tigers, opting for a program known for producing NFL-ready linebackers. His combination of athleticism, football intelligence, and family pedigree made him one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in his recruiting class.
Path to American Football
Trotter’s transition to elite-level football began in earnest when he enrolled at Clemson in January 2021 as an early enrollee, joining the program months before his high school classmates. That decision allowed him to participate in spring practice and adjust to the demands of college football ahead of his freshman season. The foundation he built during those early months paid off as he earned meaningful playing time right away.
As a freshman at Clemson, Trotter appeared in 13 games and finished the season with 22 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack, showing flashes of the disruptive ability that had marked his recruitment. The following offseason, the Clemson coaching staff named him a starter at linebacker entering his sophomore year, signaling their confidence in his development. His rapid rise positioned him as a focal point of the Tigers’ defense and drew attention from NFL scouts evaluating the next wave of linebacker prospects.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Trotter’s early career at Clemson established him as a reliable defensive contributor. During his freshman year, he demonstrated consistent tackling and an ability to hold his own against older, more experienced players. His role expanded significantly heading into his sophomore campaign, where he was named a starter at linebacker.
The 2022 season marked Trotter’s emergence as one of the top young linebackers in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He was named the ACC Linebacker of the Week for Week 7 after recording 13 tackles in a 34–28 win over Florida State. He finished the season with 89 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble, earning second-team All-American honors from the Associated Press for his efforts.
Clemson Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Building on his All-American sophomore season, Trotter continued to anchor the Clemson defense during his junior year. His combination of sideline-to-sideline range, instincts in the run game, and pass-rushing ability made him a focal point of opposing game plans. The Tigers relied heavily on his tackling and leadership at the second level of their defense.
Trotter’s strong junior campaign helped solidify his status as a legitimate NFL prospect, and he was named first-team All-ACC for his performance. Following the 2023 season, he declared for the 2024 NFL draft, where his pedigree, production, and physical profile made him a tempting mid-round selection for teams seeking linebacker help.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024–Present)
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the fifth round, 155th overall, of the 2024 NFL draft, bringing the son of a franchise legend back to the organization where his father had built his own legacy. As a rookie, he appeared in 17 games with one start, posting a half-sack, 25 tackles, and one pass defended. His role grew steadily as the season progressed, and he earned additional responsibilities on special teams and in spot defensive packages.
Trotter made his first career fumble recovery in a Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers, scooping up a Keisean Nixon fumble on the opening kickoff that was forced by Oren Burks. The Eagles converted the recovery into a touchdown three plays later and closed out a 22–10 home victory. He went on to record one tackle in Super Bowl LIX, a 40–22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a Super Bowl championship in his rookie season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Trotter’s first career fumble recovery against the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round was a defining early-career moment, setting the tone for an Eagles postseason run. His appearance in Super Bowl LIX capped a rookie year that exceeded expectations for a fifth-round pick. Becoming a Super Bowl champion in his first professional season places Trotter among a small group of players who reached the sport’s biggest stage before their first full offseason.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Career Wins
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s most prominent team accomplishment is his Super Bowl LIX championship with the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2024 NFL season. He also helped the Eagles secure a Wild Card victory over the Green Bay Packers with his fumble recovery on the opening kickoff. His individual accolades include second-team All-American honors in 2022 and first-team All-ACC recognition in 2023 at Clemson.
Other Wins and Performances
During his time at Clemson, Trotter was a key contributor to a Tigers defense that consistently ranked among the best in the ACC. His ACC Linebacker of the Week performance against Florida State in 2022 stood out as one of the most productive single-game efforts of his college career. These performances helped lay the groundwork for his eventual selection in the 2024 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. comes from a deeply rooted football family, most notably as the son of Jeremiah Trotter, a 12-year NFL linebacker who spent the majority of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. His brother, Josiah Trotter, is a linebacker at the University of Missouri, continuing the family’s defensive tradition. His cousin, Terrance Ganaway, is a former NFL running back, further underscoring the athletic lineage that has shaped Trotter’s football journey.
Personal Life
Trotter’s personal life has remained largely centered on his football career and his family connections to the sport. Growing up with a father who was a long-time NFL linebacker gave him an early understanding of the work ethic and discipline required to play at the highest level. He continues to carry on the family legacy with the Philadelphia Eagles, the same franchise where his father made his name.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is positioned to take on a larger role within the Philadelphia Eagles defense following a productive rookie year that ended with a Super Bowl LIX championship. His steady tackling and special teams contributions have earned him additional trust from the coaching staff as he enters his second professional season. Continued growth as a three-down linebacker remains a focal point of his development.
Trotter’s familiarity with the Eagles’ defensive scheme, built during his rookie year, should allow him to play faster and more decisively in 2025. With a Super Bowl ring already in hand, his individual goals now center on becoming a full-time starter and expanding his impact in passing-down situations. His pedigree, athleticism, and early production suggest he has the tools to meet those expectations.
As the Eagles defend their championship in 2025, Trotter will be counted on to provide dependable play at linebacker and on special teams. His early postseason experiences, including a fumble recovery in the Wild Card round and a tackle in the Super Bowl, have given him a strong foundation. The 2025 season represents an important opportunity for Trotter to cement his role as a long-term building block for the Philadelphia Eagles defense.