Former Eagles LB Jeremiah Trotter Bringing Appetite to Italian Market Festival

Jeremiah Trotter, a third-round draft pick in 1998 who played eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, will serve as a judge in a cheesesteak competition on May 20.

PHILADELPHIA – Jeremiah Trotter spent eight of his 11 seasons in the NFL as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, bringing a passion and desire for the game that made him a fan favorite.

Now, the retired linebacker’s hunger will be on display for all to see on May 20, at the inaugural Deer Park Philly Cheesesteak Contest at the Italian Market Festival.

“When I heard Deer Park was working with the Italian Market Festival to host the first official Philly Cheesesteak competition, I wanted in,” said Trotter, whose son is a standout linebacker at Clemson and a possible first-round pick in 2023.

“I’ll be sure to bring my appetite that day and see which restaurant will have bragging rights for best cheesesteak this year.”

Trotter will serve as a judge at the event along with Chance Anie, owner of Tabachoy, and a handful of other celebrity judges and media personalities.

The premise of the event is to find an answer to the question: Who makes the best Philly cheesesteak?

“We want to bring all of the top cheesesteak makers together at this incredible festival to celebrate their food and to compete for the title of Best Philly Cheesesteak,” said Grant Cowherd, the senior brand manager for Deer Park. 

“We’re not expecting to settle the debate forever, but on Saturday, May 20th, bragging rights will be earned by one of Philly’s legendary cheesesteak shops.”

The contest is a part of Deer Park’s 150th-anniversary celebration taking place this year throughout the mid-Atlantic and Southeastern U.S.

“Celebrating cheesesteaks with a spirited competition is the perfect addition,” said Michele Gambino, the festival’s executive director. “Since the Festival's main focus is food, family, and fun, Deer Park's presence will be a fun experience for Festival-goers to enjoy.”

The event will begin at 11 a.m. on the main stage at Washington and 9th Streets.

Contestants will be invited by event organizers, with invitations largely reflecting previous media polling, press coverage, taste tests, and social media commentary.

The winning establishment will earn bragging rights for one year, a significant trophy to display in their restaurant, and a $5,000 donation in their name to the charity of their choice, courtesy of Deer Park, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

“We want to celebrate local traditions that have stood the test of time just like Deer Park,” Cowherd said. “When it comes to long-standing traditions in Philadelphia, there are only a few things more iconic than Philly Cheesesteaks and the South 9th Street Italian Market.”

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Ed Kracz covers the Philadelphia Eagles for SI's EaglesToday.

Please follow him and our Eagles coverage on Twitter at @kracze.

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