Nick Foles, a name etched in NFL history, announced his retirement from professional football today. As he steps away from the gridiron, fans and analysts alike are left reflecting on a career that was as improbable as it was unforgettable.
Nick Foles College Career: A Steady Rise With the Arizona Wildcats
Foles began his collegiate career as a three-star recruit at Michigan State. However, after just one year, he transferred to Arizona, where, due to NCAA rules, he had to redshirt the 2008 season.
Entering the 2009 campaign, Foles won the starting QB job and led the Wildcats to an 8-5 record and a Holiday Bowl appearance. But when Seth Littrell became co-offensive coordinator and Frank Scelfo was hired as QBs coach in 2010, Foles hit a new ceiling.
That season, the Texas native saw his completion rate rise from 63% to 67% and his passing yards per attempt from 6.1 to 7.5. However, he saved his best for last, completing 69% of his passes for 4,334 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in his final collegiate campaign.
The team didn’t quite reach the same level of success, going 4-8, but Foles left his mark in Arizona’s record books, owning the most completions (933), attempts (1,396), yards, (10,011), and passing TDs (67) in school history.
Foles showcased a strong arm, poise in the pocket, and the ability to dissect defenses with precision during his time with the Wildcats, resulting in the Eagles selecting him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He became the seventh QB off the board, behind Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, Brandon Weeden, Brock Osweiler, and Russell Wilson.
Foles’ rookie season showed glimpses of his potential, but it wasn’t until 2013 that he truly put his name on the map. Stepping in for an injured Michael Vick, Foles delivered one of the most efficient seasons in NFL history, throwing 27 TDs against just two INTs, earning a Pro Bowl selection.
However, Foles’ NFL career would be defined by its volatility. He crashed back down to Earth in 2014, completing under 60% of his passes for 13 scores and 10 picks. Philly traded Foles to the Rams that offseason, and he had a quick stint with the Chiefs in 2016. But in 2017, he returned to Philadelphia as a backup to Carson Wentz.
This is when the story reaches its crescendo.
Wentz went down with a torn ACL late in the season, thrusting Foles back into the spotlight. What followed is the stuff of legend: Foles led the Eagles on a miraculous playoff run, culminating in a Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots, where he was named Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 373 yards and three TDs.
Foles stuck around Philadelphia for one more season and decent success, connecting on 141 of his 195 passes for 1,413 yards, seven TDs, and four INTs across five games. He then bounced around the league, with stops in Jacksonville, Chicago, and, most recently, Indianapolis in 2022.
After going unsigned in 2023, Foles officially announced his retirement from the NFL as an Eagle on Aug. 8, 2024. The franchise announced he would be honored in their 2024 season home opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 16.
After much thought and prayer, I've decided to retire from the NFL. It's been an incredible 11-year journey filled with unforgettable moments and amazing people. From being drafted by the Eagles to winning the Super Bowl, every step has been a blessing.
I'm excited to spend more… pic.twitter.com/2uI5az5Eoc
— Nick Foles (@NickFoles) August 8, 2024
Foles’ career was marked by more than just his on-field heroics. His resilience in the face of adversity earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike. Whether dealing with injuries, trades, or fluctuating roles, he remained steadfast, always prepared to seize the moment when called upon.
Foles steps away from the game as an Arizona record-holder, a Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion, and a player who made a permanent mark on the NFL.
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