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.

Reid commented to reporters that "This is a point in a player's life...that everyone of them has to come to...". Video footage of Trotter, together with Gaither and other members of the Eagles' defense, was aired, showing the group heading for the well-known Rothman Institute, where numerous Eagles players have been treated for career-ending ailments. It was unclear at the time when the footage was shot.

Trotter himself is expected to address the media shortly. As a Comcast SportsNet announcer noted, most players, once they are cut by a team, pack their bags and head off 'into the night'. It was a testament to Trotter's devotion to Eagles' fans throughout his career and an indicator of his high personal standards that Trotter would remain to directly speak with the media. In his afternoon press conference, Trotter, always the gentleman, stated that he understood the team's decision to cut him and that he would always consider himself a member of the Eagles.

Trotter will be sorely missed by many Eagles fans, including the author. It will be interesting to see how Reid's decision plays out in the local media, as well as the general fan base. For a team troubled for the past five years with major quarterback injuries, shifting rotations to the lines, and some questionable game plays on Reid's part, Trotter was a beacon of light for many fans. His unbridled enthusiasm was, for many, contagious.

As of Friday, August 24th, 2007, Trotter was in Tampa Bay, trying out for a defensive slot with the Bucaneers. Eagles fans worldwide wish the "Ax Man", as Trotter was affectionately known, much success in any future endeavor.

Reid himself had been the subject of much media speculation after the arrests of his sons. One son was arrested for being in possession of drug parapheneria. The other son was arrested for making terroristic threats to a woman following his collision with her car. One son pled out, the other pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing. As of Friday, August 24th, Brit Reid, who is currently on probation following his earlier arrest this year, was picked up by Pennsylvania police at Dick's Sporting Goods in the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania area, for suspicion of driving under the influence. Brit Reid drove his vehicle into a grocery cart when police activated their vehicle lights during the encounter. He did not pass an on-site sobriety test, was defensive with officers, and underwent a blood test at an area hospital to determine his blood alcohol level. Results are expected by Monday, August 27th.

Only time will tell if Reid bungled this decision or not. In the meantime, Philadelphia Eagles fans will be waiting throughout the season for the verdict....