After being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, former Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will continue to sport the jersey number that he is very familiar with – No. 54.

That’s the number he wore during his prep career at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, and then again as a multi-time All-American at Clemson.

It’s also the same number his father, Eagles Hall of Fame linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr., wore across all three of his stints with the team. A third-round draft pick of the Eagles in 1998, Trotter Sr. spent eight seasons with the Eagles, earning four Pro Bowl nods and making a Super Bowl appearance with the team in the 2004 season.

Now, after being given that No. 54 by the Eagles, Trotter Jr. will get to carry on his father’s legacy in those digits in Philly, and it’s something he won’t take lightly as he steps into the next chapter of his career in the NFL.

“I’ve been wearing it my whole life,” Trotter told the media. “I also wore it because my dad wore it when he was playing here. I was very happy that was available and they decided to give me that number.

“So, I’m gonna wear it with pride and just be the best player I can.”

When Trotter Jr. asked for the No. 54 as the Eagles were assigning jersey numbers before the start of rookie minicamp this week, they figured he would want that number and were prepared to hand it to him.

“They didn’t necessarily ask me. They kind of assumed what number I was gonna ask first,” Trotter said, smiling. “So, they kind of put it on hold.

“I came in — when they were asking for numbers and everything — I asked if I could get 5-4, and [they said], ‘Yeah, you can get it, definitely.’ So, it worked out pretty well.”

Trotter Jr. was selected by the Eagles in the fifth round (No. 155 overall) of this year’s NFL Draft after finishing 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.

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