Nick Foles, the quarterback who led the Philadelphia Eagles to their only Super Bowl victory, returned to the city to be celebrated during a pregame party. Foles was introduced on stage, wearing the iconic dog mask that became a symbol of the Eagles’ underdog spirit during their 2017 championship run.
He was joined by his former teammates, including Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce, who played pivotal roles in the team’s historic season. The celebration marked Foles’ retirement, which he had announced a month earlier.
The dog mask was first worn during the Eagles’ 2017 season as a response to their status as underdogs. Foles, who was a backup quarterback at the time, stepped in for the injured Carson Wentz in Week 14 and led the Eagles to a series of unlikely victories, culminating in a Super Bowl win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Foles’ performance in that game, especially the legendary “Philly Special” play, became one of the most memorable moments in Super Bowl history. The trick play saw Foles catching a touchdown pass, solidifying his place in Philadelphia sports lore.
During the Super Bowl, Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, earning him MVP honors. His contributions, including the now-iconic Philly Special, helped the Eagles secure a 41-33 victory.
Foles humorously recalled how he had to remain serious during the play to avoid giving away the trick to the Patriots’ defense. He credited Trey Burton for the perfect pass during the play and expressed gratitude for not messing up the critical moment.
As part of the celebration, Foles served as the honorary captain during the Eagles’ home opener against the Atlanta Falcons. He led the crowd in singing the Eagles’ fight song, “Fly, Eagles, Fly,” and became emotional while thanking his teammates and coaches during a 45-minute speech.
He specifically acknowledged the offensive linemen, including Kelce and Lane Johnson, as the unsung heroes of the team. Foles also reflected on the camaraderie he felt in the huddle with his teammates during the Super Bowl run.
Foles’ career spanned several teams, but his most memorable moments were with the Eagles, where he first joined as a third-round draft pick in 2012. He had a standout season in 2013, making the Pro Bowl and setting an NFL record for his touchdown-to-interception ratio.
After playing for five other teams, Foles’ last game was in January 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts. He expressed his deep appreciation for the Eagles fans, reminiscing about the unforgettable energy in the stadium during their NFC Championship win and how blessed he felt to play for Philadelphia.
