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.
Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles announced his retirement from the NFL after an 11-year career. Foles started his career with the Eagles as a third-round selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. He concludes his career by retiring as an Eagle. He will be celebrated at the Monday, September 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Nick Foles looks at the Lombardi Trophy.
You know the play.
Nick Foles tied an NFL single-game record with seven touchdown passes against the Raiders in 2013.
Don't forget it was Nick Foles who quarterbacked the Eagles in the Snow Bowl against the Lions in 2013.
Nick Foles points to the sky.
Nick Foles raises the trophy that Eagles fans all over the world waited a lifetime to see.
Nick Foles waves to the fans from the Super Bowl LII stage with his daughter, Lily
Nick Foles delivers a gem in the NFC Championship win over Minnesota.
Nick Foles shined in Super Bowl LII.
Nick Foles with Todd Herremans in a 2013 game against Washington
Howie Roseman congratulates Nick Foles after the NFC Championship win over the Vikings.
Nick Foles and Doug Pederson share a moment in the Soldier Field locker room during the 2018 Wild Card win over the Bears.
Nick Foles had plenty to celebrate during a 2013 campaign in which he threw 27 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions.
Following his rookie season of 2012, Nick Foles was 24-8 (including playoffs) as the Eagles' starting quarterback.
The Snow Bowl was one of the greatest weather games in NFL history.
Nick Foles celebrates in the locker room following the Super Bowl win.
Nick Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns in Super Bowl LII. Oh, and he caught a touchdown pass as well!
Nick Foles celebrates in Tampa Bay in the 2013 season. Foles won his first game as an NFL QB against the Bucs in 2012.
Nick Foles celebrates after the NFC Championship win over Minnesota.
How many touchdowns did Nick Foles throw against the Raiders in 2013? Not one, not two ... SEVEN!
Nick Foles unleashed a gem against the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game as he threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns.
Nick Foles set the single-game franchise record with 471 yards against the Houston Texans in 2018.
Nick Foles rallied the Eagles to a win over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Divisional Round.
Nick Foles also shares the NFL record for most consecutive completed passes in a game with 25.
Nick Foles in the Record Book
- 24-8 record as an Eagles QB (including playoffs) after his rookie season
- First Super Bowl MVP in Eagles history
- No. 1 in Eagles history in passer rating (93.2)
- No. 1 in Eagles history in interception percentage (1.9%)
- No. 1 in Eagles history with 4 400-yard passing games
- No. 1 in Eagles single-game history with 471 passing yards
- No. 1 in Eagles single-season history with 9.1 yards per attempt (2013)
- No. 1 in Eagles single-season history with 8.5% TD percentage (2013)
- No. 3 in Eagles history in completion percentage (62.9%)
- No. 8 in Eagles history in completions (748)
- No. 9 in Eagles history in passing TDs (58)
- No. 10 in Eagles history in passing yards (8,703)
- Shares NFL record for most touchdown passes in a single game (7)
- Shares NFL record for most consecutive completions in a single game (25)
