Foles Remembers Pederson's Philly Impact
Nick Foles will forever be linked to the Philadelphia Eagles in the annals of NFL history. His incredible performance in Super Bowl LII, culminating in the game-winning touchdown pass to Zach Ertz, secured the franchise's first ever Lombardi Trophy. But while Foles's brilliance on the field remains a highlight for Philly fans, he also reflects fondly on the impact Doug Pederson had on him and the Eagles.
A Coach's Belief and Trust
Foles, who arrived in Philadelphia in 2017 after a tumultuous stint with the Los Angeles Rams, found a new lease on life under Pederson. The coach saw potential in Foles, even with Carson Wentz, the presumed franchise quarterback, already on the roster.
"Doug was a big believer in me," Foles shared in a recent interview. "He gave me the opportunity to play, and he never doubted me. He trusted me to make plays, and that gave me the confidence to go out there and do my job."
Pederson's approach instilled a sense of calm and comfort in Foles. He allowed the quarterback to play freely, enabling him to thrive in the Eagles' offense.
The Super Bowl Magic
Pederson's unwavering belief in Foles was most evident when Wentz went down with a season-ending injury in Week 13 of the 2017 season. With the Eagles fighting for a playoff spot, Pederson never wavered in his faith in Foles.
"He told me to be ready, that I was going to lead this team to the Super Bowl," Foles recalled. "He believed in me, and I believed in him. We had a special connection, and it showed on the field."
Foles's performance in the playoffs was nothing short of miraculous. He led the Eagles to a dramatic comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship, and then orchestrated a stunning victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Beyond the Trophy
The Super Bowl triumph cemented Foles's legacy in Philadelphia, but Pederson's impact went far beyond the winning moment. He instilled a culture of belief and trust in the Eagles, forging a team that embraced adversity and fought for every inch of ground.
"Doug was a great coach, but he was an even better leader," Foles emphasized. "He brought us together, and he made us believe in ourselves. He showed us that anything is possible if we put our minds to it."
As Foles looks back on his time in Philadelphia, he fondly remembers Pederson's coaching and leadership. It was a period of immense personal and professional growth, culminating in a Super Bowl victory that will forever be etched in NFL history.
"I am forever grateful to Doug Pederson for everything he did for me and for this team," Foles concluded. "He is a special coach, and he will always have a special place in my heart."
