Jeremiah Trotter Jeremiah Trotter ( born January 20 , 1977 ) is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League ( NFL ) for twelve seasons . He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft . He played college football at Stephen F . Austin State University . Trotter is one of just four linebackers in Eagles history to earn four or more Pro Bowl invitations , joining Hall of Fame members Chuck Bednarik , Maxie Baughan and Bill Bergey in that select group . Trotter has also been a member of the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers . Early years . Trotter attended Hooks High School in Hooks , Texas and was a letterman in football . In football , he was a three - time all district honoree and was named the District MVP as a senior . Professional career . First stint with Philadelphia Eagles . Trotter was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft . In his first year with the Eagles as a backup , he recorded only six tackles . In his second season , newly hired Head Coach Andy Reid named Trotter the starting middle linebacker . Over the next three seasons , he led the team in tackles . In four seasons with the Eagles , he had accumulated 361 tackles , nine sacks , five interceptions and four forced fumbles . He also made two straight Pro Bowls in the 2000 and 2001 seasons . Trotter and the Eagles defense ranked second in the NFL in 2001 , earning them their first NFC East championship since 1988 . The Eagles would go to the NFC Championship that year for the first time since 1980 , but lost to the St . Louis Rams . Following the loss , Trotter became a free agent . He was designated with the franchise tag by the Eagles , but after failing to agree on a contract , became a free agent . Washington Redskins . Trotter signed a 7 year , $ 36 million contract with the Washington Redskins on April 19 , 2002 . In two years with the Redskins , Trotter recorded just over 200 tackles and 1 . 5 sacks . He was released from his contract on June 1 , 2004 . Second stint with Eagles . Trotter returned to the Eagles for the 2004 season , signing a one - year contract worth the veteran minimum . Prior to re - signing Trotter , the Eagles run defense was amongst the worst in the NFL . Trotter became the starter mid - way through the 2004 season , and immediately improved the defense . That year , the Eagles advanced to their first Super Bowl since 1980 , marking Trotter ' s first appearance in the championship game . The Eagles would lose by a narrow margin to the defending champion New England Patriots , 24 - 21 . On September 12 , 2005 , about 40 minutes before kickoff between the Eagles and Atlanta Falcons , Trotter and Falcons ' cornerback Kevin Mathis got into a fight during pregame warmups . After officials reviewed video to see who instigated the fight , both Trotter and Mathis were ejected before kickoff . Terry Bradshaw said about the incident , " No one ' s been thrown out of a house that fast since my last divorce " . The fight led to an NFL rules change where non - kickers cannot enter a neutral zone between the 45 - yard - lines prior to the game . Trotter was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2005 , being the only Eagle to be voted outright by the fans that season ( Brian Dawkins was named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate ) . He was once again named to the Pro Bowl in 2006 . On August 21 , 2007 , the Philadelphia Eagles released the veteran linebacker from the remainder of his second contract . The position of middle linebacker was filled by two - year veteran Omar Gaither . Tampa Bay Buccaneers . On September 3 , 2007 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Trotter to a one - year deal . Third stint with Eagles . After Stewart Bradley tore his ACL during training camp , the Eagles needed an experienced middle linebacker to take his place for the season . Trotter worked out on September 25 , 2009 with the Eagles and signed a one - year contract . The following offseason , after allowing Brian Dawkins to leave via free agency , the Eagles cut ties with most of their NFC Championship squad , by trading Donovan McNabb , releasing Brian Westbrook , and not re - signing Trotter . Although he has not officially retired , he has not played since the 2009 season ended , and has since started working with Philadelphia ' s ESPN affiliate radio station 97 . 5 The Fanatic . Business ventures . Trotter has been involved in various business ventures in addition to his football career . In 2000 , he opened a salon called T & I Unisex Salon , located in Willingboro , New Jersey . In 2003 , Trotter opened a car wash business called Trott ' s Spot Car Wash , located in Cherry Hill , New Jersey , and he also owns two car washes in neighboring Voorhees . The car wash in Cherry Hill , New Jersey has since closed down . Trotter also has a shorehouse on the famous Ocean City boardwalk between sixth and seventh streets near the Wonderland Pier . Personal life . Trotter is the uncle of former Baylor Bear and St . Louis Rams running back Terrance Ganaway .