In 2016, Nick Foles played three games for the Kansas City Chiefs, starting one.
He finished 1-0, with 410 passing yards, three touchdowns, and a 105.9 passer rating in the three games.
On August 8, 2024, Foles announced his retirement from X.
After much thought and prayer, I've decided to retire from the NFL. It's been an incredible 11-year journey filled with unforgettable moments and amazing people. From being drafted by the Eagles to winning the Super Bowl, every step has been a blessing.
I'm excited to spend more… pic.twitter.com/2uI5az5Eoc
— Nick Foles (@NickFoles) August 8, 2024
“After much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to retire from the NFL,” he said. “It’s been a fantastic 11-year adventure with of wonderful memories and amazing people. From being drafted by the [Philadelphia] Eagles to winning the Super Bowl, each step has been a blessing.
“I’m excited to spend more time with my family and start the next chapter of my life. Thank you to all of my teammates, coaches, staff, and fans for your constant support. I am eternally grateful.
Nick Foles Did His Best Work as Trusty NFL Backup
In many respects, Foles’ tenure with the Chiefs is defined by his tiny sample size, and he will be remembered as one of the more dependable backup quarterbacks of the last decade.
Following Carson Wentz’s injury, Foles led the Eagles to victory over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the 2017 Super Bowl. He also mentored younger quarterbacks such as Gardner Minshew, Mitch Trubisky, and Justin Fields, but some of their collaborations were more successful than others.
Foles, on the other hand, never quite got it together as a starter. In the end, his unreliability made him into a highly sought-after QB2.
Foles started his NFL career with the Eagles in 2012. He was a third-round pick out of Arizona.
In 2015, Philadelphia chose to trade him for Sam Bradford in a quarterback trade that included draft picks from both sides. His brief tenure with the St. Louis Rams, however, failed poorly, and he elected to continue his career with the Chiefs, as many former starters have.
After one season in Kansas City, Foles returned to the Eagles for their incredible Super Bowl run. He concluded his career with one- or two-year stints in Jacksonville, Chicago, and Indianapolis.
Carson Wentz Following in Nick Foles’ Footsteps With Chiefs
Ironically, Wentz is currently where Foles was in 2016: trying to restart his career as a backup in Kansas City. The former Pro Bowl quarterback and first-round pick just signed with the Rams in November of last season, following unsuccessful starting opportunities with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders.
At 31, Wentz is unlikely to be given another full-time starting job, but he may have one miraculous run as a backup. As Foles did in Philly.
The veteran signal-caller is off to a good start this summer under Andy Reid’s and his coaching staff.
“Underrated storyline, perhaps, but Carson Wentz has been really, really solid at Chiefs Camp,” A-to-Z Sports Kansas City reporter Charles Goldman said on August 2. “Doesn’t make many mistakes. He’s been seeing the field well the last three days.”
On July 24, Arrowhead Pride beat reporter Pete Sweeney noted that Wentz could be the most talented QB2 Patrick Mahomes II has ever had behind him.
“No disrespect to Chiefs legends Matt Moore and Chad Henne, but Wentz could be the best backup Mahomes has had,” Sweeney told reporters. Others in the KC community have shared that viewpoint.
Until Mahomes retires, no Chiefs fan ever wants to see the backup quarterback take the field. Having said that, Kansas City should be in good hands with Wentz if that day ever comes in 2024.
