For Pryor, challenge of being first-time starter extends beyond field

"I'm enjoying the process of getting better," he said. "I know I'm not the greatest, but I kind of amuse myself in my mind by acting like I am. That's how

Jim Trotter | Nov 14, 2013

For Pryor, challenge of being first-time starter extends beyond field /

A forgotten man his first two years in the NFL, Terrelle Pryor is now firmly in the spotlight as the Raiders' starter. — A forgotten man his first two years in the NFL, Terrelle Pryor is now firmly in the spotlight as the Raiders' starter :: Jed Jacobsohn/SI

In his first year as an NFL starter, Terrelle Pryor leads all quarterbacks with 63 rushing yards per game. — In his first year as an NFL starter, Terrelle Pryor leads all quarterbacks with 63 rushing yards per game :: David E. Klutho/SI

"I'm enjoying the process of getting better," he said. "I know I'm not the greatest, but I kind of amuse myself in my mind by acting like I am. That's how you've got to be. That's the first step to achieving your goal. There are so many things you have to deal with as a young quarterback that if you don't believe in yourself, who will?"

Published Nov 14, 2013

JIM TROTTER

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.