Trivia Whiz Troy Meyer Has Sat Down in Some Episodes of 'Jeopardy!' — What's Going On?

It was during a Season 34 episode of Jeopardy! that viewers noticed something out of the norm — contestant Troy Meyer was sitting down. As most are aware, it's a common practice for guests on the show to stand behind their podiums, buzzer in hand.

While there is much we don't know that goes on behind the scenes of Jeopardy!, one thing fans have wondered is why Troy is sometimes sitting down. Here's what we know.

Troy has not publicly addressed why he has sat down on Jeopardy! Of course, fans have their own theories, some of which are a bit tasteless. However, in a 2011 piece published by The New York Times, it was revealed that in October 2008, while playing in a rock band, Troy had to return to Brecksville, Ohio — the area where he grew up near — to "rest after a heart ailment, a narrowing of the aortic valve, had worsened." The outlet added that his condition was under control with medication.

Aortic valve stenosis, the medical term used to describe the narrowing of the aortic valve, can result in a person experiencing multiple symptoms, per the American Heart Association (AHA). Some of these include: difficulty walking short distances, dizziness or light-headedness, a rapid, fluttering heartbeat, and swollen feet and ankles, the AHA notes on its website. While we don't know if this is the reason why Troy sits during Jeopardy!, or how the condition even effects him for that matter, it's something to consider.

Troy grew up in Ohio, and is married to fellow Jeopardy! fanatic, Genevieve Sheehan. Viewers were first introduced to Troy in January 2023.

After his big win on Jan. 25, 2023, Troy shared with Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings some deeply personal information about what was going on in his life. "So much of this is tied up with my mom who passed away recently, and my grandfather also loved Jeopardy!" Troy said.

In a conversation with 10 Tampa Bay ahead of his 2023 appearance, Troy expressed concern about letting his family down. While Troy performed rather well during his 2023 Jeopardy! run, his winning streak came to an end after he secured six consecutive victories, resulting in him winning $214,802. The Tampa native was ultimately defeated by Dee Williams and Jake DeArruda.

Speaking of Jeopardy! and family, Troy's wife Genevieve also competed on the show back in 2009. She was in the audience, quietly supporting him on every step of the way during his 2023 run. "I was so excited for him," Genevieve said. "I wanted to be his rock and his cheering squad."

Standing or sitting, it doesn't seem like Troy will be disappointing anyone anytime soon. In fact, Troy managed to secure a spot in the 2024 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions.

On March 12-14, 2024, Troy will compete in the 2024 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions for a chance to take home $250,000 and compete in the upcoming Jeopardy! Masters competition. During the semi-finals, Troy took the lead with a score of $28,400, but ultimately won the game with $19,599.

We can all cheer Troy on when he competes on during the 2024 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions finals!