Eagles release Jeremiah Trotter
Michigan
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At least he is not bitter about it:
“It’s a tough pill to swallow, but everyone gets to this point in their career at some point or another, and now is my time,” Trotter said at a news conference yesterday afternoon at the team’s practice facility. He added: “I’m just thankful that I spent this many years in Philadelphia. I truly believe that if you were to cut me, I’d bleed green.”
My guess is he will be with another team by the end of this week.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow, but everyone gets to this point in their career at some point or another, and now is my time,” Trotter said at a news conference yesterday afternoon at the team’s practice facility. He added: “I’m just thankful that I spent this many years in Philadelphia. I truly believe that if you were to cut me, I’d bleed green.”
My guess is he will be with another team by the end of this week.
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August 21, 2007 | Last Updated: 8/21/07 3:47 PM ET
On whether he had any inclination he might get released while at training camp: ""No, I didn't. I was just working hard and trying to get in the best shape possible to go out and give 100 percent.""
On how emotional the meeting between he and head coach Andy Reid was when Reid told him he'd be released: ""It was pretty emotional. At the end, we were like two old ladies up there. Obviously, I know he didn't want to make the decision. But, as a head coach, you have to make tough decisions for the organization, and I respected it. I just told him I really appreciated everything he did for me, the organization, and the city. It's a tough pill to swallow, but everyone gets to this point in their career at some point or another, and now is my time. I'm just thankful that I spent this many years here in Philadelphia. I truly believe that if you were to cut me, I'd bleed green. Even when I went away for two years (to Washington), I was always an Eagle at heart, and I'll always remain an Eagle.""
On whether he agrees with Reid's decision: ""I agree with his decision, too. Obviously, I want to be here, but he's making a decision that he feels is best for the team. That's what this league is about; the turnover ratio (of players) is big every year. They're always bringing in someone to try to better the team. Who knows what the future holds, but, like I said, now is my time. I understand why he did it – I know he didn't want to do it – and that means a lot to me.""
On whether any indication had been given to him during the offseason that this might happen: ""You hear things, (but) I'm not the one to read or watch the news, or whatever, but it always finds a way back to you. I just wanted to continue to work hard and be in the best shape possible, and go out and do what I can do.""
On what he said when he addressed the team: ""Too much of nothing; I was crying for the most part. I just told them it was a privilege to play here with those guys, and don't take anything for granted because time flies. So, go out and leave everything on the field, work hard, and give everything you have. That's one of the things I prided myself in, was just working hard and leaving it on the field. No matter what happens from here on, whether I go somewhere else or retire, I can honestly say that my time here in Philadelphia, I left it all on the field.""
On whether he will try to play this year with another team: ""I'm just praying about it, speaking to my family, my wife, my pastor, my friends, and see where it goes. I just want to do what God wants me to do. If it's time for me to hang it up, then fine. I felt I've made moves in the offseason off the field to set myself up for life after football. If that'd be the case, then I'm ready for it.""
On whether he feels he can still play: ""Yes, I do. I still believe that I still have a couple good years left. But, everyone thinks that when it's time to go (laughing). Everyone thinks that, but I honestly believe I do. That's neither here nor there, now. I just wanted to come in and address the team and you guys (the media). I appreciate you guys over the years, the good and the bad. Without you guys, I don't think this sport would be what it is. (I also want to thank) the fans for the many cheers and support. They came out to the (annual Eagles Youth Partnership) carnival this year, and it was raining, (but) they were still there in full force. So, it was amazing.""
On whether he will always consider this area his home: ""Yeah, this is home. Philadelphia area- this is home for me. I can't see myself living in any other city permanently.""
On what his favorite memory is as an Eagle: ""Oh man…I would first have to say coming back from Washington. I was so overwhelmed with the love that the fans showed and the love that the team showed in welcoming me back, despite how everything unfolded when I left. When I pulled up today (and) I saw all the news trucks, I told my buddy Victor (Thomas), 'I remember three years ago, it was just like this when I came back.' So, I'm leaving out the same way I came.""
On whether he knew this news was coming when Reid called to meet with him yesterday: ""No, I didn't. I didn't have an idea until we sat down and talked. I guess that was one of the reasons it was so hard. It was a surprise for me.""
On whether he feels Reid should rethink this decision: ""No. Not really, because I knew for a fact that he thought long and hard about this decision. It wasn't something that he just came up with overnight. I know he pretty much watched the progress over the offseason, last year, and during training camp. Like I said, I know it took a lot for him to make that move, and I take my hat off to him for doing it. Actually, I respect the decision, and I'm just thankful and grateful for the times I had here.""
On whether it's possible for him to experience another locker room camaraderie similar to what he had here: ""The only way you can do something like that is through time, and creating a lot of memories. I don't know how much time I have left, but wherever I end up, you better believe I'll be giving it 110%.""
On whether he talked with the new starter at MLB - Omar Gaither: ""I actually talked to him last night. I told him, 'Man, listen, I held down the middle here for a number of years; you have a lot of ability, just continue to work hard, keep God first, listen to your veterans like (LB) Takeo (Spikes) and (FS Brian) Dawkins, and the coaches, and you'll be fine.' I especially told (DT Brodrick) Bunkley to keep the lineman off of him (laughing).""
On how important it is for him to leave on good terms: ""Fortunately, this time I'm able to do it the right way, and that was very important for me. It was very important for me to be here today to talk to you guys to show my gratitude and thanks for being here in Philadelphia all these years. I think that's one of the things I'm going to miss most, are the fans and my teammates here, because I've been somewhere else and know the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. You have a special chemistry here, and I give credit to God for that, the coaching staff for bringing in good players, good people- guys like Dawkins and Takeo. Takeo and I, right off the bat, it was almost unreal how close we became in such a short period of time. It means a lot that they're standing there now (adjacent to the podium) supporting me in this time.""
On his relationship with Dawkins: ""Dawk and I, we've been through the battle scars. He saw when I was a rookie when I got there looking a mess. He saw me grow, as you guys did. Just his leadership, not only on the field, but his spiritual leadership, and team leadership, it's like I've never seen before. So, I really appreciate that, how he helped me out in a lot of areas not just in football. The way he worked week in and week out. (He's an) All-Pro in my opinion; the best safety in the game in a lot of people's minds. Just the way he went in and worked week in and week out was very impressive to me.""
On whether he would consider returning to the Eagles organization to work in some capacity other than playing: ""Right now, I'm just trying to get through every five minutes. If I can get through the next five minutes in this press conference, I'll be happy (laughing).""
On whether he thinks other players outplayed him in training camp: ""I don't know. That's not up to me to decide that. I just go out and give 100 percent, and that's all I can do.""
On why he feels he clicked with the fans in Philadelphia: ""I don't know. I guess a favor from God. I'm just so passionate about the game. I only know one way to play the game, and I'm just thankful they saw that week in and week out.""
On whether he's amazed how well he was able to play despite his injuries: ""I'm not amazed because I know the reason I'm able to play. God continued to keep me healthy week in and week out. They (his teammates) cracked jokes on me on how I looked during the week. They'd say, 'How are you going to get ready to play?' I'd just tell them, 'It's God's doing,' and that's all I could come up with.""
Another reason why the Eagles are one of the greatest, if not arguably the greatest franchise in NFL history.
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<< <i>Another reason why the Eagles are one of the greatest, if not arguably the greatest franchise in NFL history. >>
You're right - I was wrong.
The Eagles are the greatest franchise in sports history.