Nick Foles will always be more than a former Eagles quarterback in Philadelphia. He’s a symbol of belief, timing, and one of the most improbable championship runs in NFL history. And this week, the Super Bowl LII MVP reminded the football world — once again — that he hasn’t forgotten who he beat or how he did it.
Foles Expresses Sympathy For Nix, Broncos
Following news that Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a season-ending injury and will miss the AFC Championship Game, Foles took to social media with a message that perfectly balanced empathy and edge. He expressed genuine support for Nix and Broncos fans navigating the emotional fallout — before slipping in a line that Eagles fans instantly recognized as vintage Nick Foles.
A reminder, subtle but unmistakable: the New England Patriots have a history of struggling against backup quarterbacks on the biggest stage.
For Eagles fans, the subtext didn’t need explanation.
Foles knows better than anyone what it feels like to be counted out, written off, and then handed the keys in the postseason. He also knows exactly how it feels to stare down the Patriots with everything on the line — and walk away victorious.
Foles Earned the Right to Troll New England
As a backup quarterback thrust into the spotlight during the 2017 postseason, Foles authored one of the greatest playoff runs in NFL history, culminating in a 41–33 Super Bowl victory over Tom Brady and the Patriots.
On that night, Foles outdueled the greatest quarterback of all time, throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns — and delivering the most iconic moment in Eagles history.
The Philly Special wasn’t just a trick play. It was a declaration. Foles didn’t just manage the game — he owned it. He became the first player in Super Bowl history to both throw and catch a touchdown pass, cementing his place in NFL lore and Philadelphia immortality.
So when Foles points out that New England has stumbled against backups in championship moments, it’s not speculation or smack talk. It’s a historical fact — one he personally authored.
That’s why his message hits differently. It’s not mean-spirited. It’s not random. It’s confidence born from experience.
For Eagles fans, it’s also a reminder of what made that 2017 team special: belief over pedigree, execution over reputation, and fearlessness in the face of a dynasty.
Does Denver Have A Shot To Defeat The Patriots?
With Jarrett Stidham set to start in Nix’s place, it will make things more difficult for the Broncos to take down the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game and advance to the Super Bowl.
But will it be impossible? Head coach Sean Payton sure doesn’t think so.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton said after the Bills game Saturday that “he’ll be ready to go and ready for the moment,” giving his backup quarterback a huge vote of confidence.
He added, “The plan has always got to be ‘build around the type and skillset of the players you’re playing with.’ Are there certain things that Bo does differently than Stiddy? Absolutely. That’s where the work begins tonight,” Payton said.
Game-planning accordingly for Stidham’s skill set will be crucial for Payton, as well as maximizing the Broncos’ efforts on the ground. Denver also boasts a top-five defense in points and yards allowed per game and per play, among several other statistics, which will have to step up even more to help out what will likely be a hamstrung offense.
But Nick Foles was right about one thing: the Patriots have struggled in the past against backup quarterbacks in championship games. Perhaps that trend will continue for Stidham and the Broncos when they battle Drake Maye and New England on Sunday at Mile High.
Foles Trolls Patriots While Sending Support to Injured Broncos QB