Josiah Trotter Makes NFL History in Debut

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter made NFL history in his debut against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording a sack in the first half and a 38-yard pick-six of Joe Burrow late in the third quarter. The interception came with 2:16 remaining and the Buccaneers trailing 27-13. Trotter finished with 11 total tackles and two tackles for loss, though Tampa Bay lost 33-27. Greg Auman cited FOX research stating Trotter is the first player in NFL history with a pick-six and a sack in his NFL debut. Jenna Laine, per Elias, reported he is the first NFL rookie with a pick-six and a sack in his debut since sacks became an official stat in 1982, and the ninth player since 1982 with a sack and interception in his debut. Lance Zierlein had described Trotter as having "alpha energy." Trotter was taken 46th overall in the 2026 draft after an 84-tackle, two-sack 2025 season at Missouri. His father, Jeremiah Trotter, played in the NFL from 1998-2009, mostly with the Philadelphia Eagles and also with Washington and Tampa Bay. No left- or right-rated coverage framed the story.