One of the most unlikely heroes in NFL history has decided to retire.
Nick Foles, the 35-year-old quarterback who was named Super Bowl 52 MVP, announced his retirement on social media on Thursday.
“After much thought and prayer, I have decided to retire from the NFL. It has been an incredible 11-year journey filled with unforgettable moments and great people,” Foles wrote in his retirement statement. Video announcement. “Every step has been a blessing, from being drafted by the Eagles to winning a Super Bowl. I look forward to spending more time with my family and embarking on a new chapter in my life. I would like to thank my teammates, coaches, staff and fans for your unwavering support. I am forever grateful.”
Foles and the Philadelphia Eagles, the team he played for five seasons, announced the quarterback was officially retiring during Philadelphia’s home opener against the Falcons on “Monday Night Football” in Week 2.
A third-round draft pick in 2012, Foles will likely be best remembered for his time with the Eagles in 2017, leading the team to a win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52, beating Tom Brady in the process.
Foles was named MVP after completing 28 of 43 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns, plus a catch in the unforgettable “Philly Special,” which was commemorated with a bronze statue outside Lincoln Financial Field.
Foles replaced starter Carson Wentz after he tore his ACL in Week 14 of that season and was a standout late in the game.
In the final seven games of the year, Foles passed for 1,452 yards, 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions while leading Philadelphia to a 6-1 record and the only Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
However, Foles’ success wasn’t limited to one magical stint in Philadelphia.
In his sophomore season in 2013, Foles threw 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in just 10 starts, including tying the NFL record with seven touchdown passes in a single game.
After starting five regular season games and two postseason games for the Eagles in 2018, Foles signed a four-year, $88 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But Foles’ career never really took off outside of Philadelphia.
He appeared in just four games due to a broken collarbone and was ultimately benched, playing just one year with Duval County.
The following March, Jacksonville traded him to the Bears for a fourth-round pick.
Foles finished his 11-year career playing two years with Chicago and one with Indianapolis, where he started 10 games over three seasons and completed 64.5% of his passes for 2,326 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
The Arizona native was an unsigned player all of last season.
Though his final few years were disappointing, Foles will forever be remembered in football history for his Super Bowl run and cement his place as the best backup quarterback in NFL history.
