Jeremiah Trotter Jr views pressure as a route to new opportunities with the Eagles
We're entering year two of our discussions about nepotism and the Philadelphia Eagles' roster. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that there might be team interest in Asante Samuel Jr., but so far, the rumors have not led to any real action. That said, it seems more constructive to discuss a franchise legend's son who is already on the roster. It feels damn good to see the number 54 jersey on defense and know it belongs to Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
This is Junior Axe Man. To most, he needs no introduction. His father was a big deal in midnight green. How fitting is it that his young lad was a proud member of Philadelphia's 2024 NFL Draft class? Some of us met him when we saw Dad holding him in his arms. The rest of the contingent may have met him during a successful run with the Clemson Tigers.
Trotter Jr. enters his second Eagles training camp. Things seem to be going well. He appears to be making progress and has taken on a new responsibility that should provide him with more experience. That should benefit him as he walks into another regular season. There is also the injury to Nakobe Dean. He opens camp on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.
After spending most of his rookie season contributing primarily on special teams, Trotter could see more meaningful snaps during games that count, but no one knows what that may look like at this point.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. adds to his palette at Eagles practice
Jeremiah Trotter Sr. never won a Super Bowl with the Birds, though he did secure preferred seating at both victory parades. The younger Jeremiah Trotter won football's biggest game during his inaugural NFL season. He played primarily on special teams. One of the questions now is whether he will do so again this season.
Most expected that, when he was drafted, 'Junior' would back up Nakobe Dean. No one expected, at that time, that Zack Baun would morph into a First-Team All-Pro. Thank Heaven that he did. It's always great to have as many great players on the roster as possible, but that shoved Trot Jr. further down the depth chart.
Then came the selection of Jihaad Campbell during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That seemingly clouded Trotter's picture even further. It would have seen that he would have tumbled down the depth chart had it not been for injury concerns surrounding Campbell and Dean entering Eagles training camp.
Everyone has been in the mix. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has added to the mix of first- and second-year stars. Campbell has gotten snaps with the defense's first team. Trotter has been splitting play-calling duties with Zack Baun during training camp. Both may see significant roles. No one is 100% certain of what those roles are yet, not even Vic Fangio. Thankfully, none of us has to perform the balancing acts.
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