Washington, D.C. – Former NFL Network reporter and Hall of Fame journalist Jim Trotter is channeling his recent legal settlement into a new initiative designed to uplift the next generation of sports journalists. Trotter has teamed up with Howard University, his alma mater, to launch a program that aims to break down economic barriers for students aspiring to carve out careers in sports journalism.
Through his Work, Plan, Pray Foundation, Trotter has committed $300,000 to fund the program over the next five years. This initiative seeks to provide Howard University students with resources that Trotter himself once relied on as a journalism student in the 1980s, and which he credits with allowing him to focus on his studies and pursue his professional passions.
The funds allocated by Trotter’s foundation will serve three primary objectives. Firstly, it will cover travel and housing expenses for students participating in unpaid internships—a common entry point into the industry that can often be financially prohibitive. Secondly, the program will finance travel and accommodations for students attending key networking events, including the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists. Lastly, it will establish prestigious fellowships that provide financial aid covering tuition and other educational expenses for two outstanding students each year.
Trotter’s commitment to education and diversity in journalism comes on the heels of a contentious period in his career. Earlier this year, he retired as a senior NFL columnist for The Athletic after suing the NFL for retaliation. Trotter claimed the league did not renew his contract due to his open critiques regarding its handling of diversity and equity issues, particularly the lack of Black senior editors within its media operations. The NFL, which oversees a league where the majority of players are Black, denied these allegations.
In his lawsuit, Trotter voiced concerns about institutional discrimination and pointed out racially insensitive remarks he attributed to NFL owners Jerry Jones and Terry Pegula. The suit, which was settled in October under undisclosed terms, reportedly included a donation from the NFL to Trotter’s scholarship foundation, aimed at supporting journalism students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Despite retiring from active reporting, Trotter remains deeply engaged in the journalism community, particularly at Howard University. His interactions with students there have reinforced his resolve to support aspiring journalists who he describes as “bright, energetic, and smart.”
Through his foundation and speaking engagements, Trotter continues to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion within journalism—echoes of his own pointed questions to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during past Super Bowl press conferences.
As part of his ongoing commitment, Trotter’s foundation is actively seeking additional funds to expand its support for more students. Those interested in contributing to the cause can find more information on the foundation’s official website.
Retired but far from inactive, Jim Trotter’s latest endeavor underscores a sustained commitment to fostering diversity and excellence in journalism, hoping to inspire and enable a new wave of reporters who reflect the diverse narratives of sports and beyond.
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