Nick Foles

Nick Foles may not have always been the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, but his talent as a backup has proven invaluable to the team. It’s hard to imagine where the Eagles would be without the veteran quarterback who helped lead them to their first Super Bowl win in 2018.

Foles’ journey in the NFL began in 2012 when he was drafted by the Eagles in the third round. He was initially brought in to serve as a backup to Michael Vick, but when the starting QB went down with an injury, Foles was thrown into the spotlight. He played impressively during his rookie season, finishing with a passer rating of 79.1, and started the 2013 season as the team’s starting quarterback.

While he had some success that season, Foles struggled with injuries and inconsistency. The Eagles traded him to the Rams in 2015, where he struggled even more as the team’s starting quarterback. He was eventually released and signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, where he served as a backup to Alex Smith.

It wasn’t until 2017 when he was released by the Chiefs that Foles found himself back in Philadelphia as a backup to starting quarterback Carson Wentz. He came in for Wentz late in the season after the starting QB tore his ACL, and he didn’t disappoint. Foles helped lead the Eagles to the playoffs, where they eventually won Super Bowl LII over the New England Patriots.

Foles’ performance in that Super Bowl was nothing short of legendary. He threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score to Zach Ertz. He was named Super Bowl MVP, something few backup quarterbacks can claim. Foles’ leadership and poise under pressure were instrumental in the Eagles’ success, and he cemented his place in Philadelphia folklore.

Foles’ success didn’t stop there. In 2018, he once again stepped in for an injured Wentz and led the Eagles to the playoffs, where they lost to the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round. His performance in the playoffs was impressive, throwing for 971 yards and six touchdowns in three games.

After the 2018 season, Foles signed a lucrative contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the expectation that he would serve as the team’s starting quarterback. However, he struggled with injuries and was eventually benched in favor of Gardner Minshew. Foles was then traded to the Chicago Bears in 2020, where he once again served as a backup.

While Foles may never become a perennial Pro Bowler or be inducted into the Hall of Fame, his legacy as a backup quarterback is secure. He is one of the few quarterbacks in NFL history who has been able to step in for an injured starter and lead his team to championship glory. His poise under pressure and clutch performances will be remembered by Eagles fans for years to come.

In 2021, Foles appears to be sticking with the Bears for at least the start of the season. He has demonstrated his wisdom and experience in the Bears’ offseason program and intends to bring that stability to the field during the season. Whether he is the starting quarterback or serving as a backup, Foles’ presence on any team is a valuable asset.

In conclusion, Nick Foles is a living legend for Philadelphia Eagles fans, and he will always be remembered as a celebrity among backup quarterbacks in NFL history. Foles’ journey of success, failure, and comeback is inspiring, and it reminds us that things may not go as planned, but if one remains determined, they can come out on the other side as a winner. It will be interesting to see what the coming seasons hold for Nick Foles, but one thing is for sure, he’s already made his mark on the NFL.