Nick Foles wanted to make this unique. Nick Foles wanted to make this special. He wanted to call his own shots and go out on his own terms.
And that’s what he has done.
An 11-year NFL veteran who, of course, led the Eagles to the win in Super Bowl LII, has announced his retirement from the game as a Philadelphia Eagle.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to retire as a Philadelphia Eagle,” said Foles, who will be honored when the Eagles open their Lincoln Financial Field portion of the 2024 season on Monday, September 16 against the Atlanta Falcons. “The City of Brotherly Love has always felt like home to me as an NFL player. Philadelphia is a city I truly love, and it has been an honor to wear the Eagles jersey. Thank you, Philadelphia, for embracing me and making me a part of your family forever. Your love and support have meant the world. Fly, Eagles, Fly!”
Late in the 2017 regular season, Foles stepped in as the full-time starter for the Eagles and helped pave the way to a 41-33 victory in Super Bowl LII over the New England Patriots. In the win, he completed 28 of 43 passes for 373 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and a 106.1 passer rating, en route to Super Bowl LII MVP honors. Foles also caught a touchdown pass on the “Philly Special” play called just before halftime when tight end Trey Burton took a pitch from running back Corey Clement and tossed the scoring strike to Foles in the end zone to give the Eagles a 22-12 halftime lead. Foles became the first backup quarterback to win the Super Bowl since Tom Brady in 2001 with New England.
“Nick Foles always carried himself with the utmost class and integrity, demonstrating through his actions, both on and off the field, what it meant to be a Philadelphia Eagle,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO. “He was the ultimate competitor, an inspiring teammate, a true representative of our city, and, of course, a Super Bowl Champion. As important as he was under center, it was his positive demeanor, approachability, and kindness toward others that resonated with everyone and continues to speak to his great character. We congratulate the Foles family on Nick’s celebrated career and retirement.”
Drafted by Philadelphia in the third round (88th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of the University of Arizona, Foles enjoyed an 11-year career in the NFL, with two stints in Philadelphia (2012-14, 2017-18). He was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 2013 season – earning Pro Bowl MVP honors – after leading the league in passer rating (119.2) and producing at the time the best single-season touchdown-to-interception ratio in NFL history (27-2). He was the first quarterback and only one since (Brady in 2016) has recorded 20-plus passing touchdowns in a season with no more than two interceptions.
In just his ninth NFL start, Foles threw seven touchdowns in a win at the Oakland Raiders on November 3, 2013, to become one of seven quarterbacks (now eight) to do so in a single game. He accomplished the feat without throwing an interception, joining only Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Y.A. Tittle to record seven touchdowns and zero interceptions in a game.
