All sorts of emotional farewells and tearful goodbyes at the Novacare Complex attended Jeremiah Trotter’s last day at work yesterday. I didn’t get the e-mail about the Farewell Drinks, but I do feel like I got all sorts of needs and/ or feelings from the football TV show yesterday.

This was definitely a heckuva PR stunt. They let Trotter give a farewell address (with Dawk and Spikes standing by, no less!) and Andy Reid shared all manner of wistful memories about Trotter’s legacy with the team. And despite most of the vets expressing complete shock at the move, Trot played along and said he agreed with it (!):

“I agree with his decision, too,” Trotter said. “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 is big every year. They’re always bringing in someone to try to better the team. Who knows what the future holds, but . . . now it’s my time. I understand why he did it - I know he didn’t want to do it - and that means a lot to me.”

Asked whether he thought Reid should rethink the decision, Trotter said:

“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.”

Wow! Not only does everyone mourn, but Trotter makes sure he stays on management’s good side (in case he’s looking for a new job upstairs in the style of Hugh Douglas or Ike Reese). Masterstroke from the PR department (and Trotter)!

Link:
Eagles on Jeremiah Trotter [Phillyburbs.com]
Trotter on his goodbye speech to the team [Philly.com]