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 Eagles in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. He is the son of former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter.
Trotter established himself as a reliable young linebacker with a strong football IQ and physical presence on the field. His combination of instincts, size, and family football legacy helped him earn an early opportunity in a competitive Eagles defense. Winning Super Bowl LIX as a rookie cemented his place as one of the most promising young defenders in the league.
Early Life and Background
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was born on December 24, 2002, in Hainesport Township, New Jersey, United States. He grew up in Hainesport Township and attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he emerged as one of the top linebacker prospects on the East Coast.
As a senior at St. Joseph’s Prep, Trotter was selected to play in the 2021 All-American Bowl, an honor reserved for the nation’s elite high school football players. He was rated a four-star recruit by major recruiting services and received scholarship offers from South Carolina, Maryland, Georgia Tech, and Michigan State, among others. He committed to play college football at Clemson University, choosing the Tigers over several other major programs.
Path to Linebacker
Trotter joined the Clemson Tigers as an early enrollee in January 2021, getting a head start on his college football career. His decision to enroll early demonstrated his commitment to developing as quickly as possible at the Division I level. Playing in the Atlantic Coast Conference against elite competition prepared him well for the speed and complexity of professional football.
Entering his sophomore season, Trotter was named a starter at linebacker, a significant vote of confidence from the Clemson coaching staff. He quickly proved the decision was justified. During Week 7 of that season, he earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors after recording 13 tackles in a 34–28 road victory over Florida State. His breakout sophomore campaign included 89 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. These numbers earned him second-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press and first-team All-ACC honors in 2023.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Career
College Career (2021–2023)
Trotter appeared in 13 games as a Clemson freshman during the 2021 season, finishing with 22 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack. His contributions helped provide depth to a Tigers defense that competes consistently at the highest level of college football. The experience gained as a reserve linebacker accelerated his development and readied him for a larger role.
As a sophomore in 2022, Trotter became a full-time starter and delivered an All-American caliber season. His performance against Florida State stood out as a defining moment, but his consistency throughout the schedule drew national attention. He was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press. In his 2023 junior season, he earned first-team All-ACC honors, solidifying his status as one of the top linebackers available for the 2024 NFL draft.
Philadelphia Eagles Rookie Season (2024)
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the fifth round, 155th overall, of the 2024 NFL draft. Being chosen by the Eagles carried special significance, as the team was the same franchise where his father, Jeremiah Trotter, built a legendary career as a linebacker. The Eagles saw an opportunity to add a young, instinct-driven player with a strong football background and a connection to the organization’s history.
During his rookie season, Trotter appeared in all 17 games and earned one start. He finished the year with a half-sack, 25 total tackles, and one pass defended. His first career fumble recovery came at a pivotal moment in the playoffs. In a Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field, Keisean Nixon opened the kickoff return for the Packers with a fumble forced by Oren Burks. Trotter recovered the loose ball, setting up an Eagles touchdown three plays later. Philadelphia ultimately won the game 22–10 at home.
Super Bowl LIX and Championship Run (2024–2025)
Trotter contributed one tackle in Super Bowl LIX, where the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22 to claim the franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy. Winning a Super Bowl in his rookie season places Trotter among an exclusive group of players who reached the highest level of the sport immediately upon entering the NFL. His role in the Eagles defense throughout the postseason demonstrated the coaching staff’s growing trust in his ability.
Carrying a Super Bowl championship into his second NFL season, Trotter enters the 2025 campaign with increased experience and momentum. He has appeared in games through Week 8 of the 2025 season, compiling 36 total tackles, half a sack, and one pass deflection across his NFL career to date. His development trajectory suggests a promising future as a core defensive player for Philadelphia.
Playing Style and Strengths
Trotter brings natural instincts to the linebacker position combined with the physical tools necessary to compete at the NFL level. His ability to read offensive formations and react quickly to running plays and pass routes has been praised by coaches at both the college and professional levels. His partnership with the Eagles defensive coaching staff continues to develop as he gains more game experience and learns the nuances of the NFL playbook.
Notable Events and Milestones
Winning Super Bowl LIX in his rookie season stands as the defining milestone of Jeremiah Trotter Jr.’s career so far. Being selected in the NFL draft by the same team where his father starred as a linebacker created a powerful narrative, but winning the championship in his first season elevated it beyond symbolism. His first career fumble recovery in the Wild Card playoff game and his tackle in the Super Bowl provided tangible contributions to Philadelphia’s championship run.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Trotter is the son of Jeremiah Trotter, who played 12 seasons as a linebacker in the NFL, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. Growing up around the game through his father’s career provided Jeremiah Trotter Jr. with early exposure to the discipline, preparation, and work ethic required at the highest levels of football. His father’s legacy with the Eagles adds a meaningful dimension to his own story as a player for the same franchise.
His brother, Josiah Trotter, played linebacker at the University of Missouri and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2026 NFL Draft, continuing the family’s multi-generational involvement in professional football. His cousin, Terrance Ganaway, played running back in the NFL, further underscoring the depth of football talent in the Trotter family.
Personal Life
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia and graduated from Clemson University following his junior season when he entered the NFL draft. He maintains a social media presence on Instagram under the handle jeremiahtrotterjr.
2025 Season Performance
Following his Super Bowl LIX championship season as a rookie, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. entered the 2025 season with increased responsibilities on the Philadelphia Eagles defense. His rookie experience and playoff exposure provided a foundation for expanded playing time and a deeper understanding of NFL defensive schemes. The Eagles coaching staff continued to develop him in a rotational role behind established starters while trusting him in key defensive packages.
Through Week 8 of the 2025 season, Trotter appeared in multiple games and contributed across all phases of the defense. He entered the season as part of a young, athletic linebacker group that the Eagles have invested in through the draft. His combination of size, instincts, and championship experience positions him as a valuable depth contributor and a potential long-term piece for the Philadelphia defense. His development throughout the 2025 season will be closely watched as the Eagles look to defend their Super Bowl title and establish themselves as a consistent championship contender.