Josiah Trotter Talks New Leaders, Commitment
June 25th, 2026
Bucs rookie inside linebacker Josiah Trotter.
Some Bucs fans care a lot about what players are stepping up as leaders behind the scenes.
Joe is not a big leadership guy, but it matters to varying degrees in any group dynamic, sports teams or otherwise.
Bucs rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter was the 2026 second-round pick and he’s great football pedigree as he’s the son of a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker. So young Trotter has a strong feel for the NFL game at just 21 years old.
He hopped on The Jay Recher Podcast today and was asked about who on the Bucs roster jumped into leadership roles in the absense of Lavonte David and Mike Evans.
Trotter listed the following Bucs: Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs, Alex Anzalone, A’Shawn Robinson, Rakeem “Nacho” Nuñez-Roches and Antoine Winfield. He added that Anzalone, Robinson, Nacho and Mayfield are very vocal as they are “taking over the space Lavonte left.”
The rookie also was very serious when asked what he’d like fans to know about him entering a new season.
“I just want fans to know, not only just overall the type of player I am, the kind of person I am. Accountability, I’m going to go and I’m going to work hard every day,” Trotter said. “I’m going try to not only get better, but make my teammates better in any way I possibly can, defense or offensive side of the ball. … I’m a physical player. I get it from my dad. And I have a lot of God-given abilities.
“I just want to put them to use for not only this organization but this fanbase that deserves not only just a Super Bowl, but to see a winning organization. I believe that’s what we have here. …”
Trotter even had more to say about what he wants fans to know about him but Joe cut the transcription short. The young man cares about the impression he makes.
For Joe, Trotter just needs to be a significant upgrade on SirVocea Dennis this season. That shouldn’t be hard to accomplish.
June 25th, 2026 at 2:39 pm
It was a good interview, looking forward to see how Trotter puts it together once camp and preseason hit.
June 25th, 2026 at 2:49 pm
Looking forward to seeing Trotter.
Also looking forward to SVD making some big plays much to the critics chagrin.
June 25th, 2026 at 3:05 pm
@simple t
i agree…
GO BUCS
June 25th, 2026 at 3:19 pm
I am hoping that Trotter plays so well for so long that he makes me forget that I ever heard of or mentioned Anthony Hill, Jr. or Jihaad Campbell.
Being as how I kind of get stuck on some things, I will likely be griping about it for a long time if he doesn’t. And, actually, surprisingly perhaps, I had rather not gripe.
June 25th, 2026 at 4:20 pm
Dude looks ripped and ready to crush someone.
Just don’t miss tackles and take great angles! And for God’s sake don’t have someone run right around you and 70 yards downfield. That would be a huge upgrade!
June 25th, 2026 at 4:21 pm
Although visibly lacking on some coverages – Sirvocea Dennis was not nearly as bad last year as Jose is implying….
2026 – 16 games – 101 Tackles (66 solo – led team), 3 sacks, 7 QB hits, 10 TFLs, 1 Int, 5 passes defended
That’s actually a decent stat line for a 1st year starter who was drafted in the 5th round.
But the Bucs certainly didn’t draft Trotter with a top 50 selection to sit on the bench….. So Dennis becomes a solid back-up who knows the defense well. Hopefully his special teams play shines for us this year.
And I’m definitely looking forward to seeing a Bucs LBer lay the wood on some guys. Its been awhile and Trotter is just the man for the job….
Also looking forward to seeing a Bucs LBer playing tight coverage on opposing TEs and RBs – and Anzalone is just the man for that job…….
June 25th, 2026 at 4:23 pm
Simple Jack thinks SirSucksalot can play football. Another gem.