A historic run ends with an epic finish as the Philadelphia Eagles are crowned Super Bowl champs, knocking off the heavily Patriots.
In one of the greatest Super Bowls played in recent history, a lot of story lines will dominate the media, namely the Philadelphia Eagles winning their first Super Bowl. However, what can’t be forgotten is the play of former Wildcat Nick Foles this postseason.
The former football star who had an unlikely path to Tucson, AZ, ended up on the biggest stage last night, in the unlikeliest of scenarios.
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A man who once considered walking away from the game entirely, Foles persevered and Beared Down like any Wildcat usually does. Foles of course a standout at Arizona from 2009-11 before being drafted in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft, has had a bit of an up and down career.
A career that had started in Philly under Andy Reid, and then under the guidance of Chip Kelly, Foles had a historic season in 2013, making the Pro Bowl that year. Two short years later, Foles would essentially be pushed out, ending up in St. Louis, in rather forgettable stint in his lone season with the Rams.
At a crossroads, Foles was considering to quit football altogether. Ultimately, he felt he wasn’t done, ending up with his former coach Andy Reid in Kansas City. With the Chiefs, Foles would see limited action, assuming his role as a back-up quarterback to Alex Smith.
Now into 2017, Foles ended up back in Philly, with his original team. Understanding his role, Foles knew he was joining the Eagles as the back-up to the young and talented Carson Wentz.
Navigating their way to an 11-2 record, Wentz would go down with an ACL tear in Week 14 of the season against the Rams. Foles, knowing his role would assume the duties as starter for the Eagles.
Not many were expecting the Eagles to find much success in the upcoming postseason, after all the organization had yet to win a Super Bowl. Alas, Foles shined bright on some of the biggest stages in the NFL.
First knocking off last years’ NFC Champion, the Atlanta Falcons, Foles would have a historic performance the following week in the NFC Championship game, against the Minnesota Vikings.
Nick finished the game 26 off 33 passing for 352 yards and three touchdowns to no interceptions. The Eagles cruised to a resounding 38-7 victory!
Now on perhaps the Worlds biggest stage, Foles would have to do the unthinkable, beat the legendary Tom Brady and the Patriots, vying for their sixth world title.
Cool, calm and collected, the man who once considered walking away from the game altogether looked like a veteran who had been there before, and been through it all. Foles had himself a ball game, completing 28 of 43 passes for 373 yards, three touchdowns to one interception, also catching a pass for a touchdown on a risky fourth and goal play.
The gutsy performance led to Foles receiving the MVP, as well as helping to bring the Eagles their first Super Bowl victory!
Interestingly enough, Foles also has done something not many other schools have.
Mildly interesting fun-stat. With Foles, Arizona can now claim a #SuperBowl winning starting QB before USC, Miami, Ohio State, Oklahoma (no, you don’t get Aikman), Texas, Georgia, Clemson, Penn State, LSU and Washington.
— Pete Fiutak (@PeteFiutak) February 5, 2018
Watch some of the highlights from last night, as well as Foles talking about the Super Bowl victory:
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At Zona Zealots, we are happy for Nick becoming a champion on one of the biggest stages, and Bearing Down! Bear Down, Arizona, and Fly Eagles Fly!