As you’d expect, Jeremiah Trotter was very emotional after his son got selected during the 2024 NFL Draft this past weekend, and for good reason.
Not only did a dream come true when Jeremiah Trotter Jr. got drafted, but the former Clemson linebacker got drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles – of course, the team his father suited up with for eight NFL seasons while becoming a fan favorite.
A third-round draft pick of the Eagles in 1998, Trotter Sr. is a member of the Eagles Hall of Fame. The legendary linebacker, nicknamed the “Axe Man,” earned four Pro Bowl nods and made a Super Bowl appearance with the team in the 2004 season.
Now, Trotter Jr. gets the chance to continue his father’s legacy in Philly after being selected by the Eagles with the No. 155 overall pick in this year’s draft.
The Clemson Insider caught up with Trotter Jr., and he commented on his dad’s reaction after the younger Trotter got drafted on Saturday.
“He was very happy,” Trotter Jr. said. “Shed some tears too.”
A multi-time All-American and 2023 Butkus Award finalist, Trotter Jr. had to wait until the fifth round to hear his name called, but landing in Philly was worth the wait.
“Yeah I feel like it all worked out and grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
Trotter Jr. became the first Clemson player to join his father as an NFL Draft pick since wide receiver Amari Rodgers — the son of quarterback and 2000 NFL Draft pick Tee Martin — was selected by the Green Bay Packers in 2020.
Trotter Jr. collected second-team All-America honors from the Associated Press, third-team All-America status from Pro Football Focus and All-ACC honors from select individual outlets in 2022, and he again earned All-America status from numerous outlets in 2023.
The 6-foot, 230-pounder finished his Clemson career (2021-23) with 202 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 13 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and four interceptions (including two returned for touchdowns) over 39 career games.
A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available. Get yours while supplies last! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
