Nick Foles, the former Super Bowl MVP, has announced his retirement from the NFL after an 11-season career. The 35-year-old quarterback, who spent his last season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, will not be making a return to professional football in 2024.
Foles’ most recent NFL campaign with the Colts was not among his finest, leading to his release alongside Matt Ryan in 2023. Despite his less memorable final season, Foles is best remembered for his remarkable performances with the Philadelphia Eagles. His standout play during the 2017 NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LII was instrumental in securing the Eagles’ first Super Bowl title since 1960.
Although Foles’ career as a starting quarterback was less distinguished, he made significant contributions as a backup, including a notable late-season effort that extended the Eagles’ title defense into the divisional round.
Throughout his career, Foles played for several teams including the Eagles, Rams, Chiefs, Jaguars, Bears, and Colts. His journey began with the Eagles when they selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The Eagles had traded Kevin Kolb to the Arizona Cardinals, leaving a vacancy that Foles, a rookie from Arizona, stepped into due to injuries plaguing Michael Vick.
During his initial tenure with Philadelphia, Foles made 24 starts and achieved notable milestones, such as tying the NFL record with seven touchdown passes in a single game against the Oakland Raiders in 2013. He also guided the Eagles to a playoff berth that year.
Foles’ time with the Eagles saw him play under head coach Chip Kelly, who led the team to an NFC East title and a narrow loss in the wild card round. However, after Kelly’s one year in charge of personnel, Foles was traded to the St. Louis Rams in exchange for Sam Bradford. Following a challenging stint with the Rams, which included being benched, Foles contemplated retirement but found new opportunities in the NFL.
Foles continued his career as a backup quarterback, first with the Kansas City Chiefs where he supported Alex Smith, and then with the Philadelphia Eagles again, this time under a two-year, $11 million contract. This acquisition proved crucial, as Foles’ performance as a backup was a key factor in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory.
