Philly Special: The greatest play in Eagles history

The Philadelphia Eagles won their first and only Super Bowl ring four years ago as they beat the New England Patriots by a 41-33 scoreline. That day, Tom Brady set the Super Bowl record of most passing yards in a game (505), however, everybody who watched the final remembers one play above all others: the Philly Special.

The Philly Special was a trick play call at the final minute of the second quarter. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles received a pass from tight end Trey Burton after a direct snap to Corey Clement. Foles was then released free to the right side and nobody from the defense covered him. 

The touchdown extended the Eagles lead to 22-12 right before halftime and gave the team all the hope and momentum they needed in order to upset the Patriots, a team that had won five championships at the time under the guidance of Bill Belichick and the leadership of Tom Brady.

A fourth-down trick play at the biggest stage against the team that used to do this to every other team? With a backup quarterback? It takes a lot of courage and balls to do it. But that was the main story of the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles: a whole bunch of underdogs.

I mean, just look at Jason Kelce’s parade speech (uncensored video):

The Philly Special is the greatest play in the Eagles’ history. Seriously, look at what that play meant to a team after everything they went through and a lot of disappointments over their history. and to do it against the Patriots? In the Super Bowl? Without their biggest star?

It’s been four years to that day and it still feels amazing if you’re an Eagles fan. You hear the words ‘Philly Special’ and you know exactly what play everybody is talking about. It was a day full of rejoice for Philadelphia after more than 50 years without a single NFL title. And that’s the perfect play to encapsulate it.