PHILADELPHIA — Let it be recorded, or at least captured in the social media videos shared by the hundreds present, that Nick Foles’ final official pass in Philadelphia, on the night he was celebrated by the franchise that led to its only Super Bowl victory, was made while he donned a dog mask in front of a lively, cheering crowd.
Encouraged by retired Eagles center Jason Kelce, Foles and fellow former Eagle Fletcher Cox took the stage as surprise guests wearing their dog masks during a pregame event.
The German shepherd masks were introduced during the 2017 season, embodying the underdog spirit that propelled the Eagles to their Super Bowl LII win against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
No player epitomized the underdog story that season quite like Foles, who stepped in as starting quarterback in Week 14 following an injury to starter Carson Wentz.
From that point on, Foles transformed from a backup to Super Bowl MVP.
He threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns in the game against the Patriots, but his legacy will perhaps forever be tied to the “Philly Special.” On a fourth-and-goal play within the Patriots’ 5-yard line, Foles moved from behind center to behind the right tackle before the snap, leaving running back Corey Clement alone in the backfield. Clement took the snap and, after a brief pause by Foles, he ran freely into the end zone. Clement then tossed a short pass to tight end Trey Burton, who delivered the ball back to Foles for a 22-12 lead at halftime.
“My first thought while I was returning to the huddle was, do not smile, do not smile,” Foles recalled. ”Just keep a serious face. The defensive players are watching the quarterback. If they see me smiling, they’ll know something’s up. I had to act, keep it serious as if it were a genuine audible.”
He earned Super Bowl MVP honors by guiding the Eagles to a thrilling 41-33 victory over the Patriots.
Former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles carries his son, Duke, while walking on the field before Monday night’s game at Lincoln Financial Field. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
The 2017 championship banner is proudly displayed inside Lincoln Financial Field. A statue of Foles alongside former coach Doug Pederson stands outside the stadium, including Foles’ famous quote, “Want Philly Philly?” A photo of Foles making the touchdown catch adorns the wall leading into the Eagles’ locker room, part of a collage celebrating that unforgettable season.
“Trey threw an incredible ball,” Foles commented. “He deserves more credit. That pass was perfect. The only person who could have messed it up was me, so I’m grateful I didn’t mess it up.”
Foles took on the role of honorary captain before Monday night’s home opener against the Atlanta Falcons and led the audience in a rousing rendition of “Fly, Eagles, Fly.”
With emotion during his 45-minute speech, Foles expressed gratitude towards his family and coaches. While naming offensive linemen, including Kelce and current Eagle Lane Johnson, he referred to them as the “true heroes” of the offense.
“Walking into that huddle gave me such a sense of peace,” Foles shared. “Those guys were incredible.”
“One of my favorite moments is during the NFC Championship Game when we were about to do our 7-on-7 warmups. You all were so loud, dancing, and we were dancing too. I had to stop, take it all in, and realize how fortunate I was to play for such a great city and organization.”
Nick Foles, addressing the Eagles home crowd
The 35-year-old Foles, drafted by the Eagles in the third round in 2012, has had two separate stints totaling five years in Philadelphia.
In 2013, Foles made the Pro Bowl after an impressive performance against Oakland, where he threw seven touchdown passes, leading the league with a passer rating of 119.2 and achieving an NFL single-season record for touchdown-to-interception ratio at 27-2. He was also the first quarterback to achieve more than 20 passing touchdowns in a season with no more than two interceptions.
Foles played for five other teams, with his last game occurring on January 1, 2023, for the Indianapolis Colts. His career stats include 14,227 passing yards, 82 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions.
He concluded his farewell by addressing Eagles fans directly.
“You all are what makes this place remarkable,” Foles expressed. “One of my most treasured memories is the NFC Championship Game when we were preparing for our 7-on-7 warmups, and the atmosphere was so loud and lively, we couldn’t help but dance. I paused for a moment to soak it all in and felt incredibly blessed to play for such a wonderful city and organization.”
Nick Foles Bids Farewell to Philadelphia: A Night of Celebration and Memories
A Night to Remember: The Farewell Event
On a beautiful evening in Philadelphia, the city came together to celebrate the unforgettable legacy of Nick Foles. Known for his incredible journey with the Eagles, Foles not only captured the hearts of fans but also etched his name in NFL history. This farewell event was not just a tribute to his accomplishments but a heartfelt recognition of the bond he forged with the Philadelphia community.
Highlights of the Event
- Emotional Tributes: Former teammates and coaches shared touching stories that encapsulated Foles’ impact on the team and the city.
- Memorable Highlights Reel: A video montage showcased Foles’ most iconic plays, including his legendary Super Bowl performance.
- Fan Interactions: The event provided an opportunity for fans to meet Foles, further solidifying his connection to the Philadelphia faithful.
Nick Foles: A Legacy in Philadelphia
Nick Foles joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012 and quickly became a fan favorite. His journey was marked by resilience, talent, and an undeniable connection to the city. Below are some key highlights of Foles’ career in Philadelphia:
| Year | Statistic | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 6 Touchdowns, 3 Interceptions | Rookie Season Highlights |
| 2013 | 27 Touchdowns, 2 Interceptions | NFL Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio Record |
| 2017 | 3 Touchdowns in Super Bowl LII | Super Bowl MVP |
The Super Bowl Victory: A Defining Moment
Foles’ most significant contribution came during the Eagles’ historic Super Bowl LII victory against the New England Patriots. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, and it remains a defining moment in Philadelphia sports history. Some key aspects of that memorable game include:
- Passion and Determination: Foles stepped in as a backup quarterback and led the Eagles to victory, embodying the underdog spirit.
- The “Philly Special”: A trick play that not only showcased Foles’ versatility but also cemented his legacy as a playmaker.
- Leadership: Foles’ poise under pressure inspired his teammates and ignited the Eagles’ playoff run.
First-Hand Experiences from Fans
Fans gathered at the farewell event to share their personal stories about Nick Foles. Here are a few memorable anecdotes highlighting his impact:
“I remember watching the Super Bowl with my family. When Foles caught that touchdown pass, the whole room erupted! It was a moment I’ll never forget.” – Sarah, lifelong Eagles fan.
“Meeting Nick at a charity event was surreal. He was so down to earth and genuinely cared about his fans. He’ll always be my favorite player.” – Mike, season ticket holder.
Benefits of Celebrating Sports Icons
Celebrating sports figures like Nick Foles offers numerous benefits to both the community and fans:
- Strengthens Community Bonds: Events like these foster connections between fans and create a sense of belonging.
- Inspires Future Generations: Honoring athletes encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams and understand the value of hard work.
- Preserves History: These celebrations help preserve the stories and legacies of sports icons, ensuring their impact is remembered.
Looking Back: Foles’ Journey Through Adversity
Nick Foles’ journey was not without challenges. His career included ups and downs, yet he faced each obstacle with grace and determination. Here’s a look at some significant challenges he overcame:
- Injury Setbacks: Foles dealt with injuries that threatened to derail his career but consistently returned stronger than before.
- Quarterback Controversies: Throughout his time with the Eagles, he navigated the complexities of being both a starter and a backup, maintaining professionalism.
- Criticism and Doubt: Despite facing skepticism, Foles proved through his performances that he belonged at the highest level.
Reflections from Teammates and Coaches
Teammates and coaches shared their thoughts on Foles during the farewell night:
“Nick is the epitome of what it means to be a Philadelphia Eagle. His heart and dedication to the game are unmatched.” – Doug Pederson, former head coach.
“Foles taught us all about resilience. His ability to bounce back was something we all admired.” - Brandon Graham, Eagles linebacker.
Final Thoughts from Nick Foles
In his farewell speech, Nick Foles expressed his gratitude to the fans and the city. He emphasized the importance of community, teamwork, and the memories they created together. Foles’ love for Philadelphia was evident, and his legacy will forever be intertwined with the city.
Moving Forward: The Impact of Foles’ Departure
As the Eagles move forward, Nick Foles’ departure signifies a new chapter for the team. However, the memories, celebrations, and connections built during his time in Philadelphia will remain a vital part of Eagles lore.
