It had “fairy tale story” written all over it. A team that went 7-9 last season, had modest expectations for this season, yet went all the way to the Super Bowl, with injuries plaguing “franchise” players in Carson Wentz and Jason Peters.  

Did I mention they did so with a backup quarterback in Nick Foles? 

Poetic justice was unfolding in Minnesota. A rematch 13 years later pitting the underdogs nobody gave a chance to going toe-to-toe with the evil dynasty.

It was the improbable quarterback versus perhaps the greatest quarterback of all time, aided with perhaps the best head coach of all time. Nick Foles versus Tom Brady. Super Bowl 52.  

And I get to say that I was there to see it.

The stadium was electric, filled with the atmosphere of a big game. Eagles fans took over U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, bringing the “E-A-G-L-E-S” chants and the intensity that Philly sports fans are known for.  

The stadium bled green.

Pink took center stage, singing the National Anthem as both sides prepared for kickoff. They honored military service members, including one who even performed the coin toss. Shockingly, the Patriots won the toss and deferred. Eagles would receive the ball first while the Patriots would get it after halftime. 

Fans and viewers around the country, probably even the world, were in for a game. Nervous anxiousness crept throughout the stadium for Eagles fans, hoping to win that first Lombardi Trophy. As for the Patriot fans around me, it seemed like another Sunday afternoon game.  

I wanted so badly for our Eagles to shut these guys up.  

The entire game felt like a heavyweight fight as both offenses traded blows on offense. Foles’ first touchdown connected with Alshon Jeffery on a ridiculous 34-yard catch, putting the Eagles up 9-3. The next scoring driving was a touchdown run from the former Patriot LeGarrette Blount for 21 yards.  

The Patriots weren’t down for long, however, as running back James White ran into the end zone for a score. The final play before halftime went to the Eagles that might go down as the “gutsiest play in Super Bowl history” and left the Pats defense scratching the heads.  

On a fancy gadget play, Corey Clement received the ball and flipped it to Trey Burton who then lobbed it into the end zone to a wide-open Nick Foles. Thus the “Philly Special” was born.  

Once again, it was Nick Foles who called the play.  

As the second quarter ended, I slummed back into my seat, mentally drained from a stellar first half. My heart racing and beating out of my chest; my adrenaline was pumping. Meanwhile, halftime preparations commenced but it was blatantly clear the fans wanted to see this game continue, not Justin Timberlake.