Trautwein played college football for the University of Florida and was a member of two BCS National Championship teams.

Professionally, he was a member of the St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and San Diego Chargers.

Trautwein earned second-team all-conference football honors following his junior season.

The next season, 2005, he played in all twelve games, making his first career start as a tight end against Florida State.

On June 12, 2009 Trautwein's younger sister, Sarah, died in a car accident.