As he heads to Jax, Nick Foles says Philly will always be a part of his family

Jacksonville, FL — The new quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars is thanking the city he’s leaving, saying it will always hold a place in his heart.

In a letter published on The Players Tribune, Nick Foles looks back at his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, including the team drafting him in the third round.

“It’s funny, because, leading up to the draft in 2012 — Philly was the team that had shown me the most attention by a mile. And after meeting with Andy, Doug, Howie, and everyone else……. I really wanted to play for them. But I honestly figured it was more like a smoke screen or something. I didn’t actually think they would draft me,” Foles writes.

He says he rejoined the Eagles as a free agent because, despite having other offers on the table, he loves the city of Philadelphia itself. Expecting his first child, Foles wanted that daughter to know Philly as her home town.

In the letter, Foles thanked many people, including Andy Reid, who played a role in drafting and developing him; the Eagles organization, for making his experience so special; his team mates, with whom he says it’s been an honor to play; and others.

“I even want to thank Chip Kelly for trading me in 2015. Without that challenge in my life, I wouldn’t be the player I am today,” Foles says.

Finally, he tanks the city of Philadelphia and Eagles fans overall.

“Because for as much of an honor as it’s been to play for this team and this city…… the truest privilege has been over the last year, in the time since we won the Super Bowl — having Eagles fans share their stories with me. Having them remind me of how we didn’t just win the Super Bowl; we won the Eagles’ first Super Bowl ever. Getting to hear from Philly natives about how their father, or father’s father, or mother, or mother’s mother, cried tears of happiness after the game. Learning about how, for most people, rooting for the Eagles is more than a decision — it’s a birthright. It’s family,” he says.

Foles is joining the Jags in what’s reported as a four-year $88 million deal.

The Jags are now expected to move on from current quarterback Blake Bortles.