When the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, they were prepared for more than just a football game—they were ready for any potential off-field antics as well. In a recent interview on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take podcast, former Eagles quarterback Nick Foles shared how his team took extra precautions to counter the Patriots’ reputation for pushing the boundaries of the rules.
Foles, who led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory, detailed the meticulous planning and heightened awareness that went into the team’s preparation, including strategies to prevent any potential play-stealing.
Shredding Papers and Misdirection on the Field
“Going into the game, I felt like we had great preparation those two weeks,” Foles began. “We shredded all our papers, hid all our stuff, and during walkthroughs, we had 13 to 15 guys on the field at times. If they had cameras in the stadium, we were set. We just said, ‘Do whatever you want.’ We made sure to hide even the simplest plays.”
The Eagles didn’t stop there. Foles recalled how even their hotel protocols were designed to prevent any leaks. “When we got sheets of paper at the hotel, staff would ask, ‘Are you done with that?’ And then they’d shred it right there. They weren’t taking any chances.”
A Nod to the Patriots’ Reputation
The Patriots, led by head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, have long been associated with controversies like “Spygate” and “Deflategate,” where they were accused of illegally videotaping opponents’ signals and tampering with game balls. Though Foles didn’t directly accuse the Patriots of wrongdoing, he acknowledged the importance of being cautious.
“Teams want the advantage,” Foles said. “We see it in sports all the time. Every team is trying to find the upper hand. But going into the game, I still had so much respect for the Patriots and what they’ve accomplished.”
The Eagles’ Victory
Despite their defensive measures, the Eagles needed to perform on the field to secure their 41-33 win over the Patriots. Foles delivered one of the most memorable performances in Super Bowl history, earning MVP honors after throwing for 373 yards, three touchdowns, and catching a touchdown pass in the iconic “Philly Special” play.
The victory was a defining moment for Foles, the Eagles, and their fans. It ended Philadelphia’s Super Bowl drought and cemented Foles’ legacy in the city.
Foles Reflects on His Career
Now retired, Foles announced in 2024 that he was stepping away from football after going unsigned during the 2023 season. Looking back, the former quarterback said the victory over the Patriots remains one of the highlights of his career, not only because of the game itself but also because of the meticulous preparation that went into it.
“That Super Bowl was special for so many reasons,” Foles said. “We prepared for everything—on the field and off it. It just showed how committed we were to doing whatever it took to win.”
Foles’ story offers a rare glimpse into the lengths teams go to protect their strategies and secure a fair shot at victory, especially when facing a franchise with a controversial past. For Eagles fans, it’s just another reason to savor their historic Super Bowl LII win.
