It was the classiest way I've ever seen a player released. The Eagles should be commended for the way they allowed Jeremiah Trotter to go out in style. Trot did it the way it should be done. He respected the organization and Andy Reid and the organization respected him.
A number of years ago, Andy Reid and Jeremiah Trotter had been at odds because they had parted ways with ill feelings and harsh word being released on both sides. This time obviously there was a great deal of trust on both of their parts because it was very unusual what Andy allowed Trot to do.
He got the chance to address his teammates which is very unusual but a nice thing to do. I was just telling Vai Sikahema of NBC10 how I've seen great players pushed out the door without their teammates being given the chance to say good bye to them, even though the guy being released had taught most of those guys currently on the team, how to play the game. Usually a guy is ushered out the door and their locker is cleaned out before their teammates even realize they've been cut. This was good. Trot was allowed to pass the torch. HIs teammates were allowed to let him know how they felt about him. The thing you value most as a player is the relationships you build with your teammates. Believe every player in that lockeroom will want to leave in the same manner.
It was fitting for a warrior of Trotter's kind that his considerable accomplishments be highlighted. He made tremendous contributions to the Eagles and rightfully so he was given the chance to leave with respect and dignity. I give Trot credit for refusing to take any shots at Andy Reid and the football team. This is the way the NFL works. They have to move on when you can't do the job any more. Beasley Reece of CBS-3 would always joke that "The Herd Keeps Running". This is the nature of the professional football where performance is all that really matters in the end. This release wasn't personal it was just business from the on the field football standpoint.
But from a personal standpoint I could see that Andy Reid was acknowledging the Jeremiah Trotter had made a contribution to this city and organization that was appreciated. It's the way a true professional should be treated and likewise it's the way a true professional organization should be respected. Even Jeffrey Lurie and Joe Banner chipped in with appropiated comments which is the right way to do business.
Owner Jeffrey Lurie on Trotter
“He has been such an important part of our success. Jeremiah is someone we will always consider an important part of our Eagles family. He set a tone, a tone that was instrumental in our success over the years.”
Team President Joe Banner on Trotter
“When you put together a team and you talk about intangibles, Jeremiah Trotter epitomizes what we strive for in a player.”
