Giants Eagles Football.jpeg

Jeremiah Trotter ripped into his former head coach on a radio show Thursday afternoon

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

MOUNT LAUREL -- Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford ended his brief holdout and rescinded his trade request upon returning to the team this week and despite public opinion, one former player says he owes his teammates no apologies.

Former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter found himself in a similar situation following a bitter and public contract dispute in 2002.

Trotter says that unlike many fans and some in the media, players will understand Bradford's choices when it comes to handling 'the business side of football,' after the Eagles traded up to the No. 2 overall pick to select the quarterback's successor in North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz.

"It doesn't," Trotter said Wednesday at the grand opening of Ron Jaworski's Ramblewood Country Club, when asked if Bradford's situation will impact the dynamic of the Eagles' locker room. "The players understand. Especially the older ones, they understand that it's a business. You have two sides. You have the football side and the business side. They understand that sometimes in business, these things happen."

Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has already said prior to Bradford's return that teammates would 'break the ice' with the quarterback prior to getting back to work and returning the focus on winning football games and preparing for the season.

Trotter says that that sort of camaraderie and mentality was prevalent during his playing days as well.

"When we're talking among ourselves," Trotter said. "We understand that you have to do what's best for you. In his case it's 'you're the leader, you're the quarterback, but ultimately you have to do what's best for you.' When he came back, I don't think there were any hard feelings."

Some have suggested that Bradford will need to mend fences with teammates who felt betrayed that he requested a trade prior to the NFL Draft once it was apparent that his days were numbered with the Eagles. Trotter says that couldn't be further from the truth.

"He doesn't owe anyone anything," Trotter said. "Like I said earlier, teammates understand. They want what's best for the player. Things like that happen. He came back the other day. There's no hard feelings. It's just about getting back to work."

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter: @MattLombardo975 and Facebook. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.