June 13, 2018
There are really only two breaks for the NFL. The first comes in the weeks between the end of the Super Bowl and the start of free agency in late winter, early spring. The second comes in June and July, between the end of mandatory minicamp and the start of NFL training camps.
The Eagles are just days away from a five-week break that will allow some players to unwind, relax, go away and mentally prepare for the upcoming grind of camp and a 21-week season (including preseason).
For reigning Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, that unwinding and relaxing part may be hard to come by.
"It will probably be the busiest offseason I ever have," Foles told media members Tuesday after practice.
Things will kick off Thursday, after the Eagles conclude their final practice in minicamp. That's when the Eagles and staff members will be given their Super Bowl rings.
"We are all really excited," the quarterback said, "all honored to get them. We are all trying to focus on this minicamp and get the work in right now because come Thursday, we are going to be celebrating. ... After that, we will have time away with our families and to work on our craft and it’s a good time to turn the page on the season."
Foles will literally be turning the page — of his new book as he embarks on a brief east coast book tour for "Believe it: My Journey of Success, Failure, and Overcoming the Odds."
After that, for Foles, it will be "a little family vacation."
"Then there's the ESPYs," said Foles, who will likely be nominated in a few categories for his championship performance (and that of the Eagles as a team). "I have never been to the ESPYs, I think I am going to go this year. I have to really preach to myself to stay in the moment. Football doesn’t overwhelm me, but that stuff does."
When Foles talks about football, about running the RPO or working alongside Carson Wentz, the 29-year-old native Texan is at ease. But when he starts to talk about his life off the field, his nerves start to show.
He may be a Super Bowl champion but he's just like anyone else.
"When I am in the game humor helps me," Foles said, with a grin on his face as he lets his subtly sarcastic personality shine through.
Being inside the huddle in the fourth quarter of one of the most dramatic Super Bowl's in league history — that's small stuff. Flying to L.A. to attend an awards show? For Foles, that's more difficult to deal with.
But perhaps the most important part of Foles' break from the NovaCare Complex is what's happening this coming weekend.
"All of these awesome opportunities, I am most excited for working around this minicamp and celebrating this Saturday, it's my daughters first birthday and I am super super excited about it," the proud father of one said. "I am really excited to see her throw cake in her face. Hopefully she digs in. I am really excited about it."
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