Josiah Trotter, a Missouri linebacker, said on April 16 that entering the National Football League is more than just a personal goal—it’s continuing what he calls the “family business.” Trotter is following in the footsteps of his father, Jeremiah Trotter, who played 11 seasons in the league and was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame, and his brother Jeremiah Trotter Jr., who was drafted by the Eagles in 2024.
Trotter said having both his father and brother pave this path has made it easier to navigate decisions about his own future. He explained that choosing to enter the draft involved careful consideration with his father: “It was really a big decision for me and my dad. We really wanted to pray about it first, do our due diligence, homework. My dad, just being a big factor in that…trying to figure out what was the best decision for me, and the opportunity.”
His brother’s experience has also been valuable as Josiah approaches this next step. “Just continue to be patient, trust God,” he recalled his brother advising him. “Your time’s going to come…Go out there and be the ballplayer that you are.” While both his father and brother have played as middle linebackers, Josiah is interested in expanding into pass-rushing roles. In college during 2025 he started 12 games for Missouri with a team-high 84 tackles—including 13 for loss—and took on additional pass-rush duties.
Trotter said he studies other linebackers like Von Miller and Micah Parsons: “I just like watching good pass rushers…Trying to learn whatever way I can and grow my game.” As one of the younger prospects—he turned 21 just before this year’s draft—Trotter emphasized maturity: “I feel like I’m very mature for my age. I have high upside…my best ball is ahead of me.”
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