At some point Sunday afternoon, the reality struck Nick Foles that this is most likely it.
His final game wearing an Eagles jersey in Philadelphia.
He got choked up talking about it.
“It’s emotional,” Foles said. “I love playing in Philly. I knew there’s a chance this could be it. And I don’t think about the future, but I am aware of that because this city means a lot to me, this team means a lot to me, wearing that jersey means a lot to me.”
If this was Foles’ final game in Philly, it was an unforgettable one.
He not only broke Donovan McNabb’s franchise record for passing yardage in a game with 471, but he also threw for four touchdowns and bounced back after a vicious hit to rally the Eagles to a 32-30 win over the Texans at the Linc (see Roob's observations).
It was a brilliant performance in a career of them, and if there was any doubt how Eagles fans feel about Foles before, there isn't after hearing the "FOLES, FOLES, FOLES," chants when he jogged off the field after getting hurt in the fourth quarter and then jogged back on one play later to play hero once again.
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Foles is expected to be elsewhere next year as the Eagles turn the team over to Carson Wentz full time.
If this is it, what a résumé.
Foles was a third-round rookie when he played his first game six years ago against the Cowboys in place of an injured Michael Vick.
He went 0-3 in three starts at the Linc as a rookie and lost his first start here in his 2013 Pro Bowl season.
Since then, he's won 13 of 15 starts in South Philadelphia.
The Eagles finish the regular season in Washington on Sunday and if they’re in the playoffs, it’ll be on the road.
There’s a chance it’s coming to an end. But at the end of the day, I’m very grateful for every opportunity to play here, play in front of our fans, to wear that jersey, no matter what. No one can ever take that away from me. This was a special one tonight. I don’t know what the future holds, I’m not going to worry about it. I’m just going to focus on now, enjoy being in Philadelphia, enjoy the people, enjoy wearing this jersey, because it’s some of the most special moments in my life.
Foles hasn’t lost a meaningful game at the Linc since 2014, when his wide receivers were Jason Avant, Riley Cooper and DeSean Jackson and his coach was Chip Kelly.
If this is it, he’ll have won his last nine games in Philadelphia that he’s started and finished, including playoff wins over the Falcons and Vikings last year that propelled the Eagles into the Super Bowl.
Foles solidifies his legendary status every time he plays. And he solidifies it, even more, every time he speaks.
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