Nick Foles, who led the Philadelphia Eagles to their only Super Bowl win during his 11-year NFL career, announced his retirement on Thursday.
The 35-year-old Foles was drafted by the Eagles in the third round in 2012 and played five years over two separate periods with the team.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to retire as a Philadelphia Eagle,” Foles said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
Foles’ career peaked when he took over for an injured Carson Wentz late in the 2017 regular season and was named Super Bowl MVP after leading the Eagles to a 41-33 victory over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
He threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns but is best known for the “Philly Special.” On fourth and goal inside the Patriots’ 5-yard line, Foles moved from behind center to behind the right tackle before the snap, leaving running back Corey Clement alone.
Clement took the snap, and Foles hesitated before running into the end zone. Clement then pitched to tight end Trey Burton, who threw a short pass to Foles for a 22-12 halftime lead.
“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,” team chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said. “He was the ultimate competitor, an inspiring teammate, a true representative of our city, and, of course, a Super Bowl champion.”
Foles made the Pro Bowl in 2013 after throwing seven touchdowns in a win at Oakland, leading the league in passer rating (119.2) and setting an NFL single-season record with a 27-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He was the first quarterback to record more than 20 passing touchdowns in a season with no more than two interceptions.
Foles played for five other teams, with his last game on Jan. 1, 2023, for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Eagles announced they will honor Foles during their Sept. 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
