Jim Trotter

Joined: Dec 11, 2013

Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated Followers of the NFL have long relied on Jim Trotter for his dogged reporting and astute insights. Trotter joined Sports Illustrated as a senior writer in September 2007. Before that he spent nearly 18 years at the San Diego Union-Tribune, where he climbed the ladder from preps reporter to lead NFL writer. He spent nine years covering the San Diego Chargers, who did not have a winning record or reach the playoffs in his first eight years on the beat. The team finally ended the drought in 2004, after which Trotter began covering the league at large. Trotter cites three stories as the most memorable of his SI career: a 2007 piece on the death of Sean Taylor because, "It allowed us to examine his life beyond the stereotypes that had been attached to him"; a 2011 feature on Tim Tebow and the Broncos, whose run to the playoffs was nearly as indescribable as it was improbable; and a 2012 piece on the remaking of the Raiders following the death of longtime patriarch Al Davis. Born in San Francisco, Trotter graduated from Howard University in 1986 with a degree in communications and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee. In addition to his SI duties, Trotter has made appearances on numerous national media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, ESPN, NFL Network, and The Jim Rome Show. He also has been a guest on radio shows across the country. Trotter resides in San Diego.

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Lynch in good spirits, but still brief with press at Media Day

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The Power of Positive Coaching

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Marshawn Lynch makes loud statement in Seahawks' win over Saints

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Clear Eyes. Full Heart. Can't Lose?

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Robert Mathis: On His Own, With Plenty Behind Him

In his first year unpaired from Dwight Freeney, the 11-year veteran burst into his own to lead the league in sacks and lead the Colts back to the postseason

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49ers overcome adversity, enter postseason with hardened resolve

"We know what it's like to lose in the Super Bowl," said tight end Vernon Davis. "It's a horrible feeling. Don't really want to have to go through it again.

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Don't Ditch Dennis

The Raiders are 8-22 in two years under Dennis Allen, but the players say he's not the problem. Will owner Mark Davis and GM Reggie McKenzie allow Allen to be the first Oakland coach to reach his third season since Jon Gruden?

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Harbaugh to Texas? It’s Not So Crazy

The 49ers coach is downplaying rumors he’s a candidate for the Longhorns’ job, assuming it opens. But given his track record and the fact that he turned down a contract extension before the season began, it’s worth wondering whether the fiery former QB is getting restless in San Francisco

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Humbling loss to 49ers could be just what Seahawks need

But the low point for Seattle's No. 1-ranked defense was failing to preserve a one-point lead in the final six minutes, 20 seconds. The Seahawks pride

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The Biggest Advantage: Confidence

The seismic crowd support helps, but the Seahawks’ Monday night thrashing of New Orleans proved that the players’ self-belief—go ahead, call it cockiness—is their greatest strength

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The Cards Are Clicking

After an inconsistent start to the season, Arizona has reeled off four straight wins and is right in the playoff hunt. How have the Cardinals done it? Carson Palmer, his teammates and coaches are all beginning to understand each other

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It's Just a Start ... But of What?

The Oakland Raiders will bench Terrelle Pryor in favor of undrafted rookie Matt McGloin for a second straight week on Sunday. Does it signal a new era, the beginning of a quarterback controversy, or that it’s time (yet again!) for the organization to go back to the drawing board?