Philadelphia Eagles release middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter

In a surprise move, the Philadelphia Eagles cut the four-time Pro Bowl backer Jeremiah Trotter.

Philadelphia Eagles release middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, the National Football League team's most valuable defender in 2005, was released by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday. According to reports, the coach Andy Reid informed the linebacker of his decision on Monday, after an emotional meeting between the two. After the release, Jeremiah Trotter called Andy Reid and requested the coach to retire him. Reid said the following in a statement:

“Jeremiah and I have been together for many years and he’s played a vital role in helping this team win a lot of football games. He developed himself into a Pro Bowl middle linebacker through a lot of hard work and desire. In my mind, he will always be a Philadelphia Eagle and I’m sure he feels the same way.”

Jeremiah Trotter started his pro career in 1998 when the Philadelphia Eagles picked him up in the third round of the draft, won a starting place the next year, earning Pro Bowl appearances in 2000 and 2001. Trotter signed with the Washington Redskins in 2002, where he spend two unsuccessful seasons and convinced Andy Reid to a one-year deal with the Eagles after the '03 season. He reached the Pro Bowl again in 2004 and 2005. Jeremiah Trotter became notorious in 2005 after an altercation with the Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin Mathis during pregame warmups. Both were ejected before kickoff, and the Philadelphia Eagles won against the Falcons to reach the Super Bowl XXXIX, which they lost to the New England Patriots.

The Philadelphia Eagles are currently listed with odds 20/1 to win the 2008 Super Bowl by the online bookmaker Bodog Sports.

Published on 08/21/2007