Nick Foles
Nicholas Edward Foles (born January 20, 1989) is a former American professional football quarterback best known for leading the Philadelphia Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LII, where he was named Super Bowl MVP. His improbable playoff run in the 2017 season is considered one of the greatest underdog stories in NFL history.
NFL Career
[edit | edit source]Early Career
[edit | edit source]Foles was drafted by the Eagles in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In 2013, he had a breakout season, throwing 27 touchdowns against just 2 interceptions and earning Pro Bowl honors. He recorded a quarterback rating of 119.2, the third-highest single-season mark in NFL history at the time.[1]
After being traded to the St. Louis Rams and spending time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Foles returned to Philadelphia in 2017 as a backup quarterback.
Super Bowl LII
[edit | edit source]When starter Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending knee injury in December 2017, Foles stepped in to lead the Eagles through the playoffs. Despite being significant underdogs, Foles:
- Defeated the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Round
- Beat the Minnesota Vikings 38-7 in the NFC Championship Game
- Led the Eagles to a 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII
In the Super Bowl, Foles threw for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns, caught a touchdown pass on the famous "Philly Special" trick play, and was named Super Bowl MVP.[2]
The Philly Special
[edit | edit source]The "Philly Special" has become one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history. On 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line just before halftime, the Eagles ran a trick play in which Foles lined up in the shotgun, shifted to receive a direct snap-back from tight end Trey Burton, and caught a touchdown pass to extend the lead. The audacious call encapsulated the Eagles' fearless approach throughout the playoffs.
Philadelphia Legacy
[edit | edit source]Foles' Super Bowl run cemented his place in Philadelphia sports lore. Despite never being considered an elite quarterback, his calm demeanor, clutch performances, and ability to deliver when it mattered most made him a beloved figure among Eagles fans.
His story resonated particularly because of its underdog nature—perfectly fitting Philadelphia's identity. The backup quarterback leading his team to an unlikely championship against the heavily favored Patriots became an instant classic.
A statue of Foles was commissioned for display near Lincoln Financial Field, and he remains one of the most popular figures in franchise history despite his limited time as a starter.
Post-Philadelphia Career
[edit | edit source]Foles signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 and later played for the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts before retiring. He has since pursued religious ministry work, having obtained a degree in divinity.
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Nick Foles wins Player of Year". ESPN. January 2014
- ↑ "Nick Foles named Super Bowl LII MVP". NFL.com. February 4, 2018