Philadelphia Eagles Release Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter

In yet another "interesting" move by Philadelphia Eagles' Head Coach Andy Reid, Reid announced in a live broadcast aired the local Philadelphia Comcast SportsNet channel that veteran linebacker Jeremiah Trotter has been released by the team.

Reid stated that Trotter had been informed of the decision on Monday evening, August 20th. Reid spoke with reporters on Tuesday morning, August 21st.

Trotter is a nine-year veteran member of the Eagles' defensive line, and a vocal leader amongst the group. He is also one of the Eagles' most beloved players with Philadelphia fans. He is also a four-time Pro Bowl player. Reid gave Trotter the option of either retiring or being released; Trotter chose the latter. He will be eligible to be picked up by another team immediately. Trotter is 29; veteran quarterback Donovan McNabb will be soon celebrating his 31st birthday.

According to Reid, the decision to replace Trotter as a starter on defense was based on Trotter's physical limitations. In a game during the end of last season against the New Orleans Saints, it was visible to all watching the game that Trotter was struggling to keep up with the run. Trotter is well-known for a hard-hitting, physical style of play, which apparently played a large role in cutting the older linebacker. Omar Gaither will replace Trotter as a starter. Trotter did have a disappointing 2006 season, mostly because of the problems he's encountered with his ailing knees.

This past Sunday, August 19th, 2007, Trotter was one of the many Eagles players who came out in a driving rain to take part in the team's annual fundraiser and carnival. A photo of Trotter holding a two month old baby girl and smiling broadly (Trotter, that is. The baby looked somewhat mystified) appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer's Monday edition.