Former Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. said he doesn’t feel “any pressure” to live up to his father’s legacy after the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft this past Saturday.
Trotter Jr., whose father, Jeremiah Trotter, is a member of the Eagles’ Hall of Fame, remains focused on carving out his own legacy in Philadelphia.
“Honestly, for me I didn’t feel like there was any pressure,” Trotter said after being drafted. “My dad would always talk to me and say there is no pressure. ‘You’re your own player, your own man. You have your own you journey.’ We’re different, as far as how we play the game. And I just got to go out there and be me, use the tools that God blessed me with and use them to the best of my ability and try to be the best player I can be as an individual.
“I don’t feel like there is any pressure to live up to his legacy or anything. I don’t feel like there is a weight on my back. I’m just trying to get to work and just be the best I can be.”
Trotter Jr. spent three seasons at Clemson, starting 26 consecutive games in 2022-23. He tallied 202 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks, 13 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and four interceptions during his career with the Tigers. Trotter Jr. earned First-Team All-ACC honors in 2023 and was a finalist for The Butkus Award.
Jeremiah Trotter discusses emotions of seeing son, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., go to Philadelphia Eagles
His dad played eight seasons with the Eagles, making four Pro Bowls and earning an All-Pro selection in 2000. Trotter openly talked about the emotions of his son getting the phone call from the Eagles’ brass.
“I had a moment for myself thinking about all of that, thinking about Jeremiah and all the hard work he put in,” he said, via the team’s website. “I thought about doing all of those interviews in my days on the team, holding Jeremiah in my arms. I’m super proud of what Jeremiah and what he’s accomplished.
“I didn’t jump on the phone call. It was his moment. He got off the phone and said, ‘I’m staying home,’ and I just broke down, man. It was a very emotional moment.”
“Hey, and you know what? He don’t have to pay no rent!”
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