Son of Eagles Legend Impresses With First-Team Defense

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., the former Clemson All-American linebacker, is already making noise in his first NFL offseason. The rookie saw first-team reps during the Philadelphia Eagles’ recent OTA session, taking advantage of an opening created by Nakobe Dean’s absence.

A two-time All-American and Butkus Award finalist at Clemson, Trotter Jr. anchored the Tigers’ defense over the past two seasons and finished his college career with 202 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and four interceptions — two of which he returned for touchdowns. 

He became one of just four Power Five defenders in the last two decades to record 10+ sacks, multiple pick-sixes, 4+ interceptions, and 3+ forced fumbles. Now, he’s bringing that same playmaking ability to the pros.

In Philadelphia, he lined up next to veteran linebacker Zack Baun as part of a young and aggressive 7-on-7 defensive unit that featured rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean at cornerback, with Sydney Brown and Reed Blankenship holding down the safety spots.

Trotter Jr. shares a linebacker room with fellow rookie Jihad Campbell, who coaches say is “picking stuff up,” but so far, it’s Trotter who’s seeing the most opportunity with the starters.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) reacts with linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome

© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Of course, the name already resonates with Eagles fans. He’s the oldest son of former Philadelphia legend Jeremiah Trotter — the “Axe Man” — who played eight of his 12 NFL seasons with the Eagles and totaled 903 tackles and four Pro Bowl appearances. But the younger Trotter isn’t just living in his father’s shadow.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. had been holding onto his signature “axe chop” celebration all season, waiting for just the right moment. That moment finally arrived on football’s biggest stage. After a key special teams tackle in Super Bowl LIX, Trotter let it fly, saying the timing felt perfect. “I was saving it all year,” he said. “Felt like the Super Bowl was the right moment to break it out.”

His dad, former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr., couldn’t be prouder—and he’s even found a way to share in the victory. “He jokes that he got a Super Bowl ring too,” Trotter Jr. said with a smile. “Says his name’s on it, so it works for both of us.”

A Philadelphia native and former star at St. Joseph’s Prep, Trotter Jr. led his high school to back-to-back 6A state titles and a No. 3 national ranking before choosing Clemson, where he built his own reputation as one of college football’s fiercest linebackers.

Off the field, Trotter plays with a greater purpose. He honors the memory of his mother, Tammi, who passed away from breast cancer in February 2023. Throughout her treatment, she remained a constant source of support, texting him scripture and calling him before games. Her belief in his NFL dreams continues to drive him daily.

Now back in his hometown, Trotter Jr. isn’t just carrying on a family legacy — he’s writing a new chapter of his own in midnight green.